Gin, rum, wine: Six new tipples to add to your drinks cabinet

1. AFRICAN-BORN RUM

Introducing Tapanga, a range of home-grown rums made from fresh sugar cane and hand distilled. It’s being celebrated both locally and internationally and awarded for its truly unique taste. Tapanga Gold is barrel aged with a well-balanced, dry taste and prominent vanilla nose. Tapanga White offers a clean, more tropical flavour that is soft on the palate and is perfect as a mix or in a cocktail. Tapanga is a national treasure!

2. GIN REIMAGINED

Hendrick’s has created an experimental gin called Orbium. Infused with extracts of quinine (usually found in tonic), wormwood (most often synonymous with vermouth) and the mysterious blue-lotus blossom, Orbium’s oddly exquisite flavour is at once familiar and yet totally foreign. True to the name, expect a rounded drink that engages all the senses.

3. THE FINEST CUT

Selected by The Macallan’s own whisky maker, The Macallan Classic Cut — 2019 showcases exceptional high-strength liquid that needs to be savoured and enjoyed over time. With an alcohol-by-volume strength of 52.9%, this well-balanced whisky reveals a dominant sweetness with heightened flavours of orange, sweet ginger, and vanilla all taking their turn to rise to the fore. This limited-edition whisky will be exclusively available at Makro.

4. MURATIE RONNIE MELCK SHIRAZ 2016

While this wine estate may be one of the oldest, its newer shiraz blocks are turning heads and corkscrews. Gently pressed in a state-of-the-art Willmes bag press from Germany, the wine is then left to develop in second- and third-fill French oak. Intensely red, the end result offers a rich floral and berry aroma with hints of green peppercorns and gamey nuances, supported by a sweet spiciness on the palate and notes of vanilla. It’s a soft, elegant, and voluptuous wine.

5. A BIG EASY PICK

Awarded an enviable 4.5 stars from John Platter, the Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is a cab sauv that’s as notable as its namesake. Expect classic cigar notes, black cherry, and ripe plums on the nose and palate. As fresh as it is grounded and earthy, the tannins still exact a pleasing tension.

6. KEEP IT COSY

The Singleton of Glendullan is a 15-year-old scotch whisky primarily matured in American oak, with a small portion in European oak. The result is an easily enjoyed single malt with delicious citrus aromas, a smooth, fruity palate, and a well-balanced, slightly spicy, warm finish. Perfect for cold weather.

• With over two decades of experience in the luxury-drinks market, Wade Bales’ passion is sourcing really great drinks and sharing them with really great people.

• From the August edition of Wanted, 2020.