Gin, whisky, wine: Five new tipples to add to your drinks cabinet

1. GOLDEN TIGER

Having recently won Gold at the 2019 SA Craft Gin Awards, Blind Tiger is an extremely sessionable drink that puts an exotic spin on contemporary gin and comes in three unique variants: Blind Tiger Original (with lemongrass, grapefruit, and blackcurrant infusions), Blind Tiger Blue (featuring blueberry, elderflower, and dragon fruit), and Blind Tiger Orange (with blood orange and curacao).

2. KONNICHIWA TO NEW WHISKIES!

The House of Suntory has brought two of its most celebrated Japanese whiskies to South Africa. The first, called Toki, is a timeless blend of carefully selected whiskies from the globally acclaimed Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. Incorporating malt and grain as the two main pillars, it features the quintessential characteristics of simplicity, balance, and boldness. Hibiki Harmony is the second new spirit to hit our shores. It’s a super-premium blend that brings to life the harmony of Japanese nature and expert craftsmanship.

3. THE KING’S BLOCKHOUSE IPA

Devil’s Peak Brewery’s latest IPA is heralded as “beer at its peak”. It’s hoppy, dry, aromatic, and as complex as any true Capetonian.

4. TASTE CONSTANTIA

Making phenomenal wine isn’t anything new for many of our wine estates and winemakers, but creating world-recognised regions is certainly the next frontier. That’s what makes my Wade Bales’ Constantia White 2019 so special. It’s part of a regional series that seeks to create the ultimate signature wine for each of the Cape’s most-loved wine regions. All nine of Constantia’s winemakers were involved in making this beauty — the ultimate expression of regional art and Constantia in a glass.

5. TOKARA’S REDS ARE TURNING HEADS

All three of the Tokara Reserve reds from the standout 2017 vintage are well worth trying to get your hands on. Having won practically every prominent local and international accolade for shiraz (including Platter’s five stars), its Reserve Collection Syrah is certainly no exception. It has notes of ripe blueberries and clove and a classy, refined palate that’s rich in dark fruit and silky tannins.

• With over two decades of experience in the luxury-drinks market, Wade Bales’ passion is sourcing really great drinks and sharing them with really great people.

• From the October issue of Wanted 2020.