Darlington Gin
THE SPIRIT OF DARLING
Darling is known for its creativity and ingenuity. With the likes of Evita se Perron, the Voorkamerfest, Darling Sweet and Darling Brew, its flowers, and the many diverse activities Darling offers, it is often ahead of the pack.
Up until now, Darling has not been known for gin, but that has just changed with the arrival on the scene of DARLINGTON Classic Redefined.
MY STORY– BY IDA OPPERMAN
For anyone growing up on a farm in Darling, the Kukumakranka plant and the legends if has evoked, just become part of your DNA. Although Farmers have calendars, the mindset still runs on seasons and the weather. Even the annual holiday has to have a bit of flexibility to adapt to the clock of Mother Nature.
If there was one plant in our area that always caused excitement when first spotted, it was the KUKUMAKRANKA. Mainly because, it was not planted but germinated spontaneously by Mother Nature at a time and place of her choice, and never plentiful!
A true “people’s plant” – KUKUMAKRANKA was foraged in secret by those who were true people of the country and who over the years had got to know where best to look.
My mother used to leave small Kukumakranka fruit in all the cupboards and drawers and it only takes a fleeting whiff to transport me back to my childhood bedroom.
THE DREAM
Around the end of 2017, when gin was really beginning to get the lights flashing, I met with Charles Withington of the Darling Wine Shop and Riaan Neethling, a good friend of his and shared my dream of making a gin. No normal gin this, the base herb had to be that magical and mystical plant that I had grown to know so well over the years – the Kukumakranka. In my mind, it was only THIS that could add the real magic.
And so it all began …
This is the story of the mystery behind the origin of DARLINGTON GIN.
This story is all about the Gin and not about the mere mortals who were instrumental in making it happen.
The little town of Darling is known for its creativity and ingenuity which is not only because of all the clever people moving there to escape the rat race, but also because the more contemplative and open-minded Darling lifestyle allows the spirits to roam free. Some city folk may think that the Darling lifestyle is not so much contemplative and open-minded, and to those we extend on open invitation to come and spent a day or two here and let the spirit (s) move you!
Now here it is. One evening over a few drinks the Spirit of Darling revealed herself (yes, they are not all male, you chauvinists) to three of us locals and filled us with an overwhelming longing and passion to produce a gin. After much rumination and with guidance from the spirit, the “specifications” became clearer and clearer. It had to be a world-class but redefined London Dry Gin with a unique juniper concentration to allow for many different infusions and blends without losing the essential and characteristic taste and aroma. The other seed that was planted by the Spirit of Darling was that the Gin must incorporate and honour the rare fabled Kukumakranka plant with its unusual foliage, flowers and fruits found around Darling.
We explored different floral options but the spirit always brought us back to the Kukumakranka with its mythical and mystical properties – just like the Spirit of Darling. Darlington Gin’s association with the Kukumakranka is as much an honouring of the plant as it is a contribution to the distinction of the Gin.
We invite all sophisticated and adventurous people out there to become part of our magical mystery tour by trying Darlington Gin; exploring different mixes and infusions; joining our Darlington Group and sharing your Gin recipes and stories with us and other Gin lovers.
Life is short. Make sure you give it your best shot. Enjoy your Gin with family and friends but also make time to sip one whilst quietly sitting on your own reflecting on life, what it means to you and how you can be the best you that you can possibly be. Remember, it is never too late to become who you really are. Carpe diem!
Traditionally distilled, a classical but redefined London style dry gin with a distinct juniper, taste and aroma.
Add a hint of Kukumakranka and occasionally also a hint of a Darling seasonal florals.
The hints remain hints and never dominate – like seasoning on food, the moment you taste it as a taste, you have overdone it.
Bottled in a simple yet striking locally sourced and produced pack – remember it is all about the gin and not what it is in!
Savour the purity of the spirit and the integrity of the juniper – tweak as you wish with herb or flower, but remember, so often it is a case of “less is more”
Address: 5 Main St, Darling, Western Cape, 7345
Phone: +27 22 492 3971
Cell: 074 1941 711