Cheers to gin & rum tasting at Joburg's first craft distillery

Nestled in the heart of the Maboneng Precinct, close to Market on Main and a plethora of cool restaurants, you’ll find an unexpected gem: the Time Anchor Distillery.

The first of its kind in Joburg, Time Anchor can be found in the recently developed Aerial Empire building, an eclectic vintage warehouse space that’s the perfect mixture of timeless classic and contemporary chic – just like the Time Anchor spirits themselves.

A two-person operation by long-time friends Warrick Brown and Shanna-Rae Wilby, every step of the spirit production process happens on site in Maboneng.

From milling the grain to mashing, fermenting, distilling and then filling and labelling each bottle by hand, Time Anchor spirits are made with the kind of care and consideration that’s often lost in mass production, which is part of what makes them so special.

While you can buy Time Anchor products at bottle stores throughout the city, if you have the time you should make a trip to the beautiful distillery for a weekend tasting – just remember to call and book in advance because tastings are by appointment only.

When you visit the Time Anchor Distillery tasting room, you’ll learn all about the distillation process while you try out the range of unique craft gins and rums.

You’ll be introduced to the classic London Dry Gin, probably the distillery’s best-known spirit, which is created using nine botanicals and has hints of citrus and florals.

Time Anchor also produces favourites such as Mirari Pink Damask Rose Gin, which tastes just as good as it looks in its incredible bottle, and the Blue Orient Spiced Gin, which comes infused with handpicked botanicals including cardamom, grapefruit, grains of paradise, jasmine, vanilla and a touch of rose water.

If gin isn’t quite your thing, Time Anchor is also known for its rums, which you’ll also have the chance to try when you visit the tasting room.

At the end of the tour and chat, you can choose a cocktail from the menu – the perfect way to end an equally perfect celebration of craft spirits.

This article was originally published in the Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property and Lifestyle guides. Visit Yourneighbourhood.co.za