The gin revolution continues and it’s taking no prisoners! A Mari Ocean gin is the latest homegrown gin to be launched in South Africa, and it’s uniquely made with an abundant resource that all Capetonians are familiar with – the frosty Atlantic Ocean. Founders of A Mari Ocean Gin, Jess Heinrich and Niel du Toit, returned to the Mother City after 14 years of globetrotting. While catching up over dinner, the two discussed the gin trend and its potential in SA and 4 months later, A Mari Ocean Gin has hit our shelves.
“A Mari, was created because we wanted something that was different, a bit disruptive. We wanted to create a great gin that pushed the boundaries a little,” says Jess.
A Mari is Latin for ‘from the sea’ but there’s more behind the addition of seawater than just a cool name. The minerals in the water aid in the oil extraction from the unique Cape coastal botanicals giving a rich smoothness and complexity to the gin. The nose exhibits a citrus-forward freshness, echoed on the palate with hints of naartjie and lemon, merging into a mid-palate of rich florals and peppery spices.
“A Mari is true to its location. The immense variety of wild fynbos botanicals here are exciting, pair that with the unique production method, and the Atlantic Ocean, and you have a gin that tastes like Cape Town,” says Niel.
This premium gin is made in small batches and Niel and Jess do everything from harvesting the botanicals, to distilling and hand numbering each bottle that goes onto the market. They are currently working on a second gin.
For more information, visit their website https://www.amarigin.com/
