WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Greg Fell and Adriaan Louw
Small-batch, local distilleries are popping up around Cape Town like mushrooms. Here, we take a look at what sets CBD-based Pienaar & Son Distilling Company apart from the rest.
Master distiller Andre Pienaar says that gin has always been a big part of his family. After a BSc degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry and a 10-year musical stint, he took to the kitchen to experiment with alcohol. His father (a chemical engineer) has been designing distillation equipment for 40 years. “We set off designing and building all the equipment and I put together the brand, identity and recipes,” explains Andre. “So basically, he made the stove and I’m the chef.”
Specialising in spirits, all of which are made from scratch, there are currently two gins on the market, EMPIRE, an English-inspired gin and Orient, which draws on sweet and spicy Eastern flavours. They plan to release their WASKIS vodka in the New Year and have a few other plans up their sleeve too.
The spot, which is situated in the heart of Cape Town, is an 150m² haven where everything happens, from distilling to selling. “It has become somewhat of a nerdy sanctuary for me,” says Andre.
The simple, modern space is functional and inviting, surrounded by custom-made equipment and a warm feel. “It was important for me to create a space that could make premium spirits but was not cold and dead,” he explains. “A place that had a home-like warmth that made stepping in the office every day a pleasure.”
For more information about Pienaar & Son, visit their website at pienaar@son.co.za.