A local dry gin, cheap and juniper-sharp, drunk long with tonic or with Malawi’s own fruit cordials. It is distilled in Blantyre by Southern Bottlers and has been the country’s default spirit for decades.
It is a commercial distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into it
- a neutral spirit
- juniper berries
- coriander and other botanicals
- water
How it is made
A neutral spirit is redistilled with juniper and other botanicals in a column still, then diluted to bottling strength with treated water. Nothing is aged; a gin’s whole character is decided in the botanical bill and the still.
How long it takes: distilled and bottled; no ageing
How it is eaten
Long with tonic, or with Malawi’s raspberry and mango cordials over ice.
History
Distilled in Blantyre by Southern Bottlers, it has been Malawi’s default spirit for decades and is mixed with Malawi’s own cordials.
Frequently asked questions
What is Malawi Gin?
Malawi Gin is a wine & spirit from Malawi: local dry gin, cheap and juniper-sharp, drunk long with tonic or cordial. Distilled in Blantyre by Southern Bottlers, it has been Malawi’s default spirit for decades and is mixed with Malawi’s own cordials.
How is Malawi Gin made?
A neutral spirit is redistilled with juniper and other botanicals in a column still, then diluted to bottling strength with treated water. Nothing is aged; a gin’s whole character is decided in the botanical bill and the still. It takes distilled and bottled; no ageing.
Can I make Malawi Gin at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a commercial distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into Malawi Gin?
A neutral spirit, juniper berries, coriander and other botanicals, water.
How is Malawi Gin eaten?
Long with tonic, or with Malawi’s raspberry and mango cordials over ice.
