Wixworth Gin – Keeping it Classic
You have to admit that interest in Gin has BOOMED over the last few years. Now days we have a number of so many independent distillers all flourishing, focusing on the artisanal methods and local botanical infusions.
And why not? There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summers day than GnT to cool you down. The other great thing about gin is that it is such a simple drink without complications. You can just sip and enjoy – no swirling, sniffing, swishing, or gargling.
I mean after all Gin is the quintessential British drink drunken by soldiers, tennis fans and housewives. My favourite Gin for the summer has been Wixworth Gin and will talk about this in a minute, but I just want to share a litte Gin history with you.
The History of Gin
With the rise of craft Gin culture in South Africa many Ginthusiasts don’t know the long and rich history that this classic spirit has had.
First created in Holland in the 17th century as a form of medicine called Genever (Dutch for Juniper) and was very different to the usually clear spirit that we’ve come to know and love as Gin today.
During the Thirty Years War, British soldiers fighting on Dutch land discovered it and nicknamed it ‘Dutch Courage’ because the fearless Dutch army all received a Gin ration they would drink before going into battle.
After having landed in England it spread like wildfire and by 1720 it was estimated that as many as a quarter of households in London were making their own Gin. This created a widespread drunkenness and it became an epidemic, especially in the city of London.
Gin, cursed Fiend, with Fury fraught,
Makes human Race a Prey.
It enters by a deadly Draught
And steals our Life away.
Virtue and Truth, driv’n to Despair
Its Rage compells to fly,
But cherishes with hellish Care
Theft, Murder, Perjury.
Damned Cup! that on the Vitals preys
That liquid Fire contains,
Which Madness to the heart conveys,
And rolls it thro’ the Veins.
It also was a free-for-all, with things like turpentine, sulphuric acid, and sawdust going into the juice. Can you imagine!!!
Skip forward several decades by the mid 18th Century every second person was making their own in a bathtub and flavouring it with almost anything from turpentine, sulphuric acid to even SAWDUST!! The ‘Gin Craze’ began, out of which the term ‘Mother’s ruin’ was born.
British officers in India in the early 19th century took to adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to the quinine in order to make the drink more palatable, thus gin and tonic was born.
About Wixworth Gin
The Wixworth journey began with a desire to create a unique South African
gin. They explored the gin-making methods and recipes dating back to the 17th century, which inspired them to create a gin that they can call thier own.
A gin that embraced tried-and-tested techniques and ingredients, but one that stayed true to its roots. This is the spirit of “being a classic”.
Handcrafted from six botanicals, Wixworth evokes the subtle flavours and aromas that are unmistakably South African. It’s an exquisitely balanced, delicately fragranced gin, that is crisp and dry with a dominant juniper flavour, hints of spice, and nuanced citrus notes.
At the heart of Wixworth is a unique natural ingredient that puts a spin on a traditional dry gin. The sundried leaves of the indigenous renosterbos (dicerothamnus rhinocerotis) render a refreshing, herbaceous infusion that awakens a unique sensory experience of vast South African vistas.
Protecting A Classic
This is what I love the most about Wixworth Gin. One that touches my heart very dearly. You see friends, Wixworx is absolutely passionate about conserving all that makes them original and dedicated to the survival of all things classically South African.
Our rhinos are very much a part of what makes South Africa unique, and the conservation of this beautiful species is a cause that lies very close to all our hearts.
Wixworth believe that saving endangered rhinos from extinction is something to which we can collectively raise a glass. For every bottle sold, Wixworth contributes a percentage to the stoprhinopoaching.com initiative, so you can feel happy that you are not only buying something special, but that you are also giving back to a good cause.
A classic serving perfectly poised to shake up the Summer!
There’s nothing that raises the spirits quite like Wixworth. Whether you’re savouring it in the comfort of your home or the surroundings of your favourite holiday destination, a Wix & Tonic is a simple, yet sophisticated way to embrace the South African Summer:
Wix & Tonic:
- 50ml Wixworth Gin
- 200ml plain Tonic Water
- Garnish with a wheel of *lime
*Lime, not lemon! Trust me… adding a lime wheel to the mix instantly enhances Wixworth’s natural orange peel flavours.
How do you get your hands on Wixworth?
Wixworth Gin is available on Takealot.com and at selected liquor stores and restaurants nationwide, for the recommended retail price of R299. Ask for it by name at your favourite establishment or look out for it in-store – its distinctive, elongated green bottle and striking red tag, is sure to grab your attention.
Every occasion is worth celebrating. Complement it with a classic.
This has been my favourite gin for the summer – so stay tuned for my personal review on this classic wixworthgin!
BeAClassic #wixworthgin
Website: www.wixworth.com
Facebook: Wixworth Gin
Instagram: @wixworthgin
Other reads on Gin –
A gin and tonic cheesecake
gin infused braised cabbage
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
Gin Lane By William Hogarth – Unknown sourceTransferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:NotFromUtrecht using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, Link