Cape Town isn’t just known for its famous wines and beautiful coastline. It’s also home to a growing craft whiskey scene that’s worth exploring. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey drinker or simply curious to sip something new, whiskey tasting in Cape Town offers behind-the-scenes experiences into how this beloved spirit is made.
Discover what Cape Town’s Whisky Distilleries have to offer with this essential whiskey trail guide. From the legendary James Sedgewick in Wellington to refined tastings at the Taj Hotel, get ready to delve into Cape Town’s whiskey scene.
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Why Cape Town’s Whiskey Scene is Unique
Unlike the cool climates of Scotland and Ireland, South Africa’s warm weather has a unique influence on the interaction between wood and spirit during whisky’s maturation period. Following the distillation, the spirit is placed in wooden barrels, where the elevated temperatures of South Africa enhance the contact between whiskey and wood, extracting notes such as caramel, spice, and vanilla. Additionally, these warmer temperatures speed up the maturation period, allowing complexity to develop in three to five years, unlike the longer periods needed in cold climates. The rate of evaporation, known as the angel’s share, also increases, causing lower volume but more concentrated flavours. The only thing whiskey makers must be wary of is allowing too much influence from the wood.
What makes South African Whiskey even more unique is the innovation that the whisky distilleries are embracing to craft this golden liquid. By experimenting with the ageing process and new techniques, South African whiskey distilleries produce distinct flavours and aromas. Adding to this is the use of local ingredients – through the incorporation of indigenous flavours, South African whiskey has developed its own identity. This allows South African whiskey brands to truly reflect the country’s natural resources and rich heritage. And in turn, whiskey connoisseurs are given something new and exciting.
Top Whiskey Tasting Experiences in Cape Town
Cape Town’s Whiskey tasting experience is like no other. From the internationally awarded James Sedgwick in Wellington to small, craft distilleries such as Pienaar & Son Distilling Co., Cape Town’s emerging whiskey scene greets you with a fusion of flavours. Get ready to immerse yourself in the best of Cape Town’s rich and complex whiskies.
1. James Sedgwick
Known as the bedrock of the South African whiskey industry, James Sedgwick has been around since 1850. The distillery in Wellington was set up in 1886 by James Sedgwick’s sons and is known for producing two exceptional whiskeys: Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Grain Whiskey. Considered one of the best South African whiskey brands, James Sedgwick has received multiple awards that attest to this.
Creating both single malt and blended whiskey, expect smoky flavours with notes including vanilla, treacle syrup, ripe figs, roasted nuts and citrus. James Sedgwick prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, hand-selected casks, and the vision of a passionate yet patient Master Distiller. This is a distillery that pushes the boundaries, while remaining true to its roots.
Tastings are by appointment only, so for a unique and enjoyable experience, book a distillery tour and tasting. Indulge in a sensory experience of divine sweet and savoury foods, designed to pair perfectly with the whisky.
Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 79 Stokery Rd, Wellington
Website: https://www.jamessedgwickdistillery.co.za
Contact Number: +27 21 873 1460
2. Pienaar & Son Distilling Co.
Located in the Silo District of Cape Town Harbour, Pienaar & Son Distilling Co. is a small craft distillery. With its Master Distiller recently entering his 30s, newly built equipment and a process designed by chemical engineers, this father-son team challenges the notion of ‘older is better’. Instead, they celebrate developing fresh ways to create and introduce people to modern spirits.
Produced in small batches – 550 bottles – their whiskey, Tiny Batch, comes in a medium and heavy char. So you have the luxury of choice between something smooth, light and mellow or rich, bold and full-bodied. New to the whiskey scene? Try Tiny Batch Medium Char, with its white chocolate, mahogany spice, and autumn grass notes. This refreshing, balanced spirit is the perfect way to step into the world of whiskey. But for those with a more refined whiskey palate, sip on Tiny Batch Heavy Char and appreciate its complex character of robust oak, toasted caramel, and smooth maple.
Interested in joining for an unforgettable Whiskey tasting experience? Be sure to make a booking as they don’t accept walk-ins. And don’t wait too long. With small batches and high demand, tastings are only available when stock is in.
Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm
Address: The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: https://pienaarandson.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 72 759 9928
3. New Harbour Distillery
Situated in Woodstock, the historic fishing village of the 1800s, New Harbour Distillery aims to honour South Africa’s most iconic botanicals through their distillation process. Take, for example, their Bushveld Whiskey. This smoked single grain, double-distilled spirit offers sweet honeyed aromas, with a hint of smoky kameeldoring.
Passionately experimenting with the whiskey-making process, New Harbour Distillery first mature their whiskey in ex-bourbon, American-oak casks. After three years, the liquor is finished off in kameeldoring-smoked barrels to attain signature South African bushveld flavours.
Reach out to book your Cape Town whiskey distillery tour, and discover the distinctive flavours of smouldering embers, herbal honey, toffee, and butterscotch. Alternatively, order online to savour this amber elixir from the comfort of your own home or on your next trip to the bushveld.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 4 pm
Address: Unit 1 Kiepersol Crescent, Atlas Gardens, Cape Farms, Cape Town
Website: https://newharbourdistillery.com/
Contact Number: +27 82 550-3421
4. The Whiskey Lounge at The Taj Hotel
Looking for a curated whiskey tasting not limited to one distillery? The Whiskey Lounge at Taj Hotel is an elegant and refined establishment presenting Cape Town’s finest selection of African whiskey, as well as whiskey from Asia, America, Ireland and Scotland.
With a menu boasting an extensive variety of whiskey tastings, treat yourself to a sipping session of rare collections, vintages, and innovative food and whiskey pairings.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 5pm to 2am
Address: 1 Wale Street, corner of St George’s Mall, Cape Town, South Africa
Website: https://www.tajhotels.com
Contact Number: +27 21 819 2000
Whiskey Bars Worth a Sip
On the hunt for the best bars in Cape Town to sit and savour this time-honoured drink? From moody speakeasies and trendy bars to relaxed and intimate hideaways, let this curated list of Cape Town’s Best Bars inspire your next memorable pour.
1. Bascule Bar at The Cape Grace Hotel
Intimate and elegant, Bascule Bar draws on the contemporary speakeasy culture of the city to bring you a whiskey and cocktail bar that reflects the spirit of Cape Town. With its prime location on the edge of Cape Town’s marina, this establishment offers magnificent evenings on the water’s edge.
With stunning views, live music on the weekends and great service, Bascule Bar serves up a bespoke whiskey bar experience.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm to 12 am
Address: Cape Grace, 1 West Quay, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: https://www.capegrace.com/restaurant/bascule-bar
Contact Number: +27 21 410 7100
2. The House of Machines
Desperate for a break from the hustle and bustle of the working world? The House of Machines is designed to be an easy-going meeting place for friends to gather after a long day. This is an unpretentious hangout with a nod to motorcycle life featuring exposed brick, weathered wooden beams, and subway tiles. Offering a solid whiskey list, live music, friendly service and a sense of community, this spot leads you to where the locals go.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 2 am, Saturday 9 am to 2 am
Address: 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: https://thehouseofmachines.com/
3. The Drinkery
Hidden in plain sight, The Drinkery is a speakeasy that knows how to serve a premium highball. Sitting above the courtyard of Heritage Square, this seductive, low-light hideout is the best spot for a romantic evening. If you and your partner enjoy a good pour, The Drinkery is a moody setting that showcases just how versatile whiskey can be.
This is where whiskey tasting in Cape Town takes on a romantic twist – complete with elevated bar snacks, a jazz soundtrack, and a separate outdoor terrace bar for slow sipping under the stars.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 4 pm to 12 am, Saturday 2 pm to 12 am
Address: 100 Shortmarket Street Mezzanine Level, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Contact Number: +27 071 401 4062
4. The Gin Bar
Yes, we know. We’re talking whiskey, not gin. But don’t be discouraged. For a spot that lights up your night, head to The Gin Bar and order the Old Fashioned. Accessed only through the Honest Chocolate Café, this secret bar sits tucked away in a Mediterranean-style courtyard. Despite the open air above you, the compact space is warm and inviting. It’s the perfect place to really immerse yourself in the buzz of Cape Town nightlife while enjoying the deliciously balanced flavours of a Whiskey-based cocktail.
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 5 pm to 1 am, Thursday to Saturday 3 pm to 1 am
Address: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: https://www.theginbar.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 71 241 2277
Where to Buy South African Whiskey
When it comes to the top stores to purchase hand-crafted South African Whisky, limited editions and small batches, we’ve got you covered. While distilleries often sell direct, here are two top whiskey stores in Cape Town for you to shop to your heart’s content.
1. Whiskeyshop Woodstock
Whether you are looking for something trendy, rare or local, Whiskeyshop Woodstock is your one-stop shop. Boasting a wide variety of local and foreign whiskey brands, this store is run by whiskey enthusiasts who could talk whiskey all day! Not sure what you’re looking for? Book one of their many whiskey tastings and allow this to guide you in selecting for your home collection.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Address: Shop 7, Masons Press, 7 Ravenscraig Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
Website: https://whiskyshop.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 65 973 4643
2. Bar Keeper Liquor Store
Offering delivery to all areas of South Africa, Bar Keeper Liquor Store stocks a wide variety of spirits, wine, and beer. While they sell whiskey from all around the world, what really makes them stand out is their wide array of South African Whiskey. Expect the traditional favourites, including Bain’s, Three Ships, and Booplaas. And for those looking to try something new and innovative, Pienaar & Son’s Tiny Batch in Medium and Heavy Char is also available.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am 6 pm
Address: 103 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: https://barkeeper.co.za/
Contact Number: + 27 21 422 1024
Pair It with Local Culture
Why stop at the last sip? Combine your Cape Town whiskey tasting experience with a local cultural excursion to truly capture the spirit of this magnificent city. Whether it’s browsing art galleries or soaking up the sounds of jazz, create a full evening experience of Cape Town’s flavour and flair.
1. First Thursdays
Add a little adventure to your whiskey drinking experience by pairing it with a local artistic excursion. If you’re into art and anything creative, First Thursday’s is a great way to combine whiskey tasting in Cape Town with an exploration of the city’s cultural life. These are the evenings when pedestrians truly rule the streets! Join the crowds as they drift from one gallery to the next, admiring the expressive efforts of some of Cape Town’s most talented artists. And when your feet start to hurt, or you get a little thirsty, pop into any of the above-mentioned bars for a much-needed whiskey.
Opening Hours: Every first Thursday of the month, 5 pm to 8 pm
Website: https://www.first-thursdays.co.za/city/cape-town
2. The Blue Room Jazz Evenings
Offering unparalleled melodic escapes, this premier live music lounge is the ultimate venue for a neat night out. The Blue Room is an intimate space, presenting top local and international talent for you to enjoy as you savour a glass of whiskey and hand-crafted cocktails. A symphony for the senses, allow soulful sounds to set the backdrop for a truly immersive whisky tasting experience in Cape Town.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 4 pm to late
Address: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Website: https://theblueroomza.com/about/
Contact Number: +27 21 216 0035
Cape Town’s Whiskey scene is creative, innovative, experimental, and rooted in local flavour. To all the curious newcomers and dedicated dram lovers alike, whiskey tasting in Cape Town offers experiences worth planning your night around. This is your chance to soak up and savour the city’s boldest spirits.
