Desmond Payne has been making gin since 1967. That’s 55 years of mastering the perfect first sip. His gin journey started in London where he worked bottling and sampling wine. Yes Cape Town, the dream job does exist. It’s here that his taste for quality began, and his talent sprouted.
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Beefeater gin is on almost every menu in the Mother City. It’s a local favourite with a history that speaks to the excellence of the final product. The first gin Payne developed was the Beefeater 24 in 2008. It uses a botanical recipe, putting a spin on the classic Beefeater Dry. Since then, it’s been more than five decades of delicious evolution.
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Payne has been the master distiller at Beefeater for the better part of 16 years, with more than half of his career spent making magic with the iconic brand in a plethora of ways. His refined organoleptic senses have earned this gentleman the title of “the custodian of Beefeater Gin”.
Beefeater now offers a massive range of flavoured gins. From Blood Orange brilliance to Zesty Lemon and Pink Strawberry satisfaction, there’s a spirit for every discerning G&T lover. But, in staying true to founder James Burrough’s legacy, which has been standing since 1820, Payne always remains true to the original recipe: the London Dry Gin.
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Now, we can’t give away the recipe for Beefeater’s award-winning concoction, but we can give you a shot of the basics. Gin is described as a neutral alcohol that’s been redistilled with a selection of natural flavourings, or botanicals. The minimum alcoholic volume must be 37.5%. How to enjoy it? Since we’re not gin connoisseurs like Burrough and Payne —who relish in its purity — it’s the perfect base for some divine cocktails.
If Payne were a cocktail, he says he’d be a classic Dry Martini. It’s the drink of choice for James Bond himself, so you know it’s the good stuff. Although Payne, a gin 007, says that it should be “stirred not shaken.” If you’re keen on spicing things up, try the Beefeater Blood Orange with soda and a slice of lemon. A citrus extravaganza.
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Whether it’s Dry, 24, or a deliciously flavoured number, Beefeater’s promise of excellence is sealed in a lifetime of mastery, highlighted by the dedication of Desmond Payne. Payne is currently in the Mother City, and says that gin is best enjoyed in Cape Town; “primary gin and tonic country”.
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Order your favourite Beefeater bottle, or check out the profile of your choice here.
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