Artisan Moonshine Drinks Trend Hits South Africa!

Small batch brewing and handcrafted, artisan drinks are nothing new on the SA booze scene, but every now and then something comes along to knock your hair back! The latest spirit to sweep our shores is a resurfacing of that American cowboy-style handmade sipping drink, Southern Moonshine, made in the traditional way of the American Prohibition era where independent distillers could only brew by the light of the moon. Once illegal, it is now legal to produce with a licensed distillery.

The first of its kind in South Africa, Silver Creek Craft Distillery in Randfontein has begun a nationwide launch of its handcrafted range of unaged, authentic moonshines. The traditionally an unaged grain spirit or white whiskey and is made from white and yellow corn, wheat and malted barley and Silver Creek Craft Distillery does everything by hand when creating this exciting spirit. From mashing and fermentation to distillation and bottling – this handmade process allows for extra special care, which is why every bottle is signed by the distiller.

“Today’s moonshine maintains the devil-may-care allure of its shadowy past, but is entirely safe to drink, and yes, even delicious,” says Silver Creek Craft Distillery founder and chief distiller Mark Taverner. “As with craft beer and gin, we believe moonshine could be the next big thing in South Africa!”.

Enjoyed on the rocks, as a shooter or as an anchor to cocktails, the Southern Moonshine collection includes the flagship Clear Shine, a smooth pure spirit diluted to 50% alcohol by volume, or in American terms, 100% proof; Charred Shine, also at 50% alcohol, is similar in taste to bourbon; while four Flavoured ‘Shines at 24% alcohol include Apple Pie Moonshine, Bon Fire Moonshine, Salted Caramel Moonshine and Chocolate Moonshine. 

Available in a bespoke moonshine jug from selected bars, restaurants and retailers countrywide. The Clear and Charred Shines retail at around R370 per 750ml bottle and the flavoured moonshines for R260.

For online orders and more information visit the Silver Creek Distillery website or say Hi to Silver Creek Distillery on Facebook.

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