Capelli La Vita Issue 4

HOW OUR JOURNEY BEGAN
Inspiration can be found in unexpected places. For oenologist Hanneli vd
Merwe, it came on a business trip to Europe in November 2015 where
corporate entertaining led to a personal discovery of the tasty world of craft gin
and designer tonics. Since becoming the first woman to obtain a PhD in
Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, she had been thirsting for a new
adventure – who would have thought the answer would lie in the cocktail she
was enjoying.
Back in South Africa, she observed the craft gin industry was already
establishing itself and winning the hearts & palates of discerning consumers
with the level of local craftsmanship. Yet amidst this growing excellence and
diversity there was a sorely felt void. South Africa needed a natural, highquality
tonic water to complement its emerging gin industry – she decided to
change this. Today Barker & Quin is a partnership between herself and long
time colleague and friend, Chris Wium.
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL
In our bid to create a superior tonic for the discerning South African gin drinker,
we went to great lengths to source the highest quality, natural products from
Africa. Our citrus flavours and spices are created from distilled essences, and
our quinine harvested from the Chinchona tree bark in the Democratic
Republic of Congo. Combining these ingredients with spring water from the
Breede River in the Slanghoek Valley, we have created a delectable tonic, free
of artificial sweeteners, colourants and flavourants. Barker & Quin tonic water
is delicious enough to be drunk on its own, but add it to a craft gin, and you
create a unique gourmet drinking experience.