Overview: Located in Mossel Bay, South Africa, Cape Saint Blaize is a family-owned business that has been producing artisanal gins since 1988. Founded as Café Gannet, the distillery occupies the historic Ochre Barn building and offers unique gin-making masterclasses where participants create their own bespoke gin recipes.
The Full Story
Cape Saint Blaize’s history dates back to 1846 when the Ochre Barn was built as a warehouse and trading station by Barry & Nephews. The building later became part of the Golden Ochre Company, which milled ochre clay brought in from Albertinia for use in paint manufacturing.
The distillery’s legacy began with JJ Moorcroft, who started Café Gannet as a restaurant and guest house in 1988. Today, his children Moya and Jason run the operation, which has expanded to include gin production. The family values that defined the business from its inception continue to drive innovation.
The masterclass I attended was led by Ronnie Mbunge and Vernol Constance, who shared their expertise on crafting unique gin recipes using a variety of botanicals inspired by South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From buchu and rooibos to lavender and vanilla, the possibilities seem endless.
Production & Profile
The production process begins with guests selecting one of three spirit bases – citrus, floral, or herbal – each offering a distinct flavor profile. The distillers are then presented with more than 20 botanical tinctures arranged in neat rows of glass dropper bottles.
For my masterclass, I chose the floral base and settled on lavender, orange, and vanilla as my ingredients. Ronnie Mbunge advised that “less is more” when selecting botanicals, so I opted for a subtle combination. The mixture then bubbles away gently in a copper pot where the flavors are slowly distilled.
Brand & Industry History
The distillery’s distinctive ceramic bottles are handmade and inspired by the nearby Cape Saint Blaize Lighthouse, which has guided ships safely along the coast since 1864. Each bottle begins life as liquid clay poured into a mould created by a master potter.
After drying for three days, it is painstakingly fettled by hand to remove imperfections and rough edges before being fired in kilns at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. No two bottles are exactly alike, making each one a small piece of functional art.
What This Means
The success of Cape Saint Blaize has led to its distinctive ceramic bottles being stocked by high-end retailers and attracting attention far beyond Mossel Bay. The distillery now creates custom-branded bottles for hospitality and corporate clients, solidifying its position as a leader in the artisanal gin market.
Consumer Takeaway
The unique flavor profile of Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Gin is a testament to the dedication of Ronnie Mbunge and Vernol Constance. With expert guidance, participants can create their own bespoke recipes using a variety of botanicals inspired by South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
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