Situated firmly in the heart of old Johannesburg lies Craft Link distillery. Described as one of the most exciting new-comers on the craft gin scene their move from an industrial site in Jet Park to their current location is a story of success built on a small team of true brand believers.

Although few recognise the name Craft Link, most gin enthusiasts know the name Ginologist which in a short time of less than three years have attained the enviable reputation of been the most awarded gin in South Africa.

The team says that ‘in the beginning we often found ourselves debating the merits or otherwise of the many gins we tried and our collective curiosity led us to uncover more and more about this wonderful drink until we came to the realisation that we wanted to share all we had learned and our vision of what makes a good gin with the world’.

Since those early heady days they have released 3 different gins all of which have won multiple awards both at home and abroad. Following a strict scientific process to ensure unparalleled and consistent quality they have released three different variants in the Ginologist range.

Ginologist Citrus is the simplest consisting of just 4 botanicals: Juniper; Limes; Grapefruit; Lemons. Unlike many other gins they use whole fresh fruit which imparts a wonderfully fresh and deliciously nuanced flavour profile that is simply unsurpassed with tonic and mint in a large gin ballon crammed full of ice on a hot day.

Ginologist Floral is the companies #1 seller and also voted the Best Gin in South Africa from the Sunday Times and Makro competition. A crowd pleasing favourite the flavour of Rose Geranium creates a gin reminiscent of middle-eastern deserts and Turkish Delight yet perfectly rounded by Orange blossom. Usually served with frozen blueberries to create a perfect pink colour and rosemary to add a herbaceous component this is the gin to share with all your friends.

Ginologist Spice for the gin connoisseur is a complex blend of Festive Season spices. Led by pepper and Cinnamon and including Coriander, grains of paradise and nutmeg this is a London Dry gin with that something extra to raise it above the mundane offerings into the realm of the sublime.

But where exactly in Johannesburg is Ginologist manufactured and why the ‘old city’? Albert van Wyk. Company MD and one of the original founder members reveals that the move to their current premises of 1 Fox Street in Ferreirasdorp, at the Crown Interchange was chosen because it had the space and existing infrastructure to attract feet through door as the 1 Fox Street Precinct is also home to the Mad Giant brewery; Fox Junction and the Good Luck bar.

‘The first thing we created as soon as the distillery was commissioned was our brand home, The Little Fox gin and Cocktail bar.’ Say’s Albert. ‘Together with our 25 seater conference room we have the opportunity to run regular master classes where the public can come learn all about the history of gin. Drink great cocktails and blend and distil their own unique bottle of take home gin.

A number of gin Soiree’s and gin festivals at the precinct have quickly established Craft Link and Ginologist as a force in drawing feet back into the city. This was always part of their philosophy to not only create enduring value for the company but for the society within their locale as well.

Next time you’re looking for something that’s out of the ordinary and mundane why not go and have a tour of the facility. Learn all about gin and maybe join one of the master classes and take home your very own bottle of Gin this summer.