OnTap Magazine

to set up some sort of association or governing body to help promote or self- regulate the industry, but as yet none has been successful. Gin actually has very few legal designations the world over. In South Africa, the only must is that all gins – whether fynbos forward, reminiscent of a chocolate orange Easter eggs or filled with the acrid character of smoked impepho – must contain juniper. “Without juniper, it’s just flavoured vodka,” says Lucy. The base spirit can be derived from any source – cane is the most common, although some brands, including Hope, use more expensive grape or grain- based spirit. These days, demand for their gins means that Lucy and Leigh don’t have time to make their own wash from malted barley as they once did. “We have definitely grown much quicker than anticipated,” says Lucy, citing 2017 and 2018 as the biggest boom years. The curve has of course crashed somewhat in 2020, but Lucy has spent the time getting back to basics – experimenting and perfecting the recipes and staying true to Hope’s reputation for being meticulous craftspeople. Leigh and Lucy plan to do more collabs and small batch gins in 2021 Visitors to the tasting room get a great view over the distillery LC: Should I be storing my gin in the freezer? LB: Vodka yes, but I wouldn’t recommend storing gin in the freezer. The botanicals have different levels of volatility and freezing your gin could change the flavour profile. You can certainly keep it in the fridge though. LC: How do you feel about G&T on tap? LB: There’s definitely a place for it, but not for a real lover of gin. You want to be able to first taste the spirit neat, then with ice and then choose how much tonic to add and which garnishes you would like. LC: Other than at Hope of course, where’s your favourite place for a G&T? LB: The Gin Bar on Wale Street is wonderful. If I’m looking for a martini I either go to Gorgeous George or to Black Sheep, while Public does an excellent negroni. You can choose to do a "DIY" style gin tasting Mr Scruff, the distillery's rescue pup QUICK QUESTIONS FEATURE 38 | Summer 2020 | ontapmag.co.za