48 Gin: Live With Excellence Through South Africa’s Handcrafted Luxury Gin

When a craft gin’s tagline is “Live With Excellence,” you know it’s not playing around. 48 Gin is a proudly South African handcrafted gin that combines 11 carefully selected botanicals including rosewater, honeyed rooibos, citrus, and earthy elements to create a modern interpretation of classic dry gin. Available in three distinct expressions – Platinum Black (the flagship), Platinum Pink, and Ivory (oak-aged) – 48 Gin delivers versatile sophistication whether you’re sipping neat, mixing the perfect G&T, or crafting elaborate cocktails. At 43% ABV and batch-distilled to smooth perfection, this is gin that lives up to its promise of excellence in every sip. Here’s everything you need to know about the South African success story that’s being savoured by true high rollers nationwide.

History

48 Gin represents the growing wave of South African craft gin excellence that emerged during the country’s “gin boom” of the 2010s. While specific founding details remain part of the brand’s mystique, 48 Gin established itself as a premium player in an increasingly crowded market that exploded from a handful of producers to over 250 craft gins by 2020.

The brand’s name – “48 Gin” – carries significance that suggests multiple interpretations: it could reference the year 1948 (a pivotal moment in South African history), latitude/longitude coordinates meaningful to the founders, or simply represent excellence (as in “firing on all 48 cylinders”). The ambiguity adds to the brand’s sophisticated allure – this is gin that speaks through quality rather than marketing stories.

What’s clear is the brand’s commitment to excellence. The tagline “Live With Excellence” isn’t aspirational positioning – it’s a production philosophy. From botanical selection to batch distillation to the elegant bottle design, every element reinforces premium quality accessible to South Africans who appreciate the finer things without pretension.

48 Gin entered a market where fynbos-forward gins (leveraging South Africa’s unique Cape Floral Kingdom botanicals) dominated the craft conversation. While many brands went all-in on indigenous botanicals, 48 Gin took a different approach: respecting gin tradition with classic botanicals while adding distinctive South African elements like honeyed rooibos that provide local character without overwhelming the palate.

The three expressions showcase thoughtful product development:

Platinum Black (the flagship) established 48 Gin’s signature profile – soft, savoury, versatile, with juniper taking a backseat to let honeydew, vanilla, caramel, citrus, and mineral complexity shine.

Platinum Pink brought contemporary elegance with rosewater infusion creating a beautiful pink hue and delicate floral character while maintaining the brand’s smooth, balanced approach.

Ivory elevated the range with oak aging introducing buttery vanilla, smoky depth, and naartjie (South African tangerine) hints – proving 48 Gin could innovate while staying true to excellence.

The brand found distribution through premium retailers including Norman Goodfellows, Pick n Pay, Takealot, Mothercity Liquor, Captain Liquor Distributors, and specialty gin shops nationwide, positioning itself firmly in the premium craft gin category.

Production Method

48 Gin is handcrafted through small-batch distillation, ensuring quality control and consistency impossible in large-scale production.

The process begins with selecting 11 signature natural botanicals. While the complete recipe remains proprietary (as with most quality gins), confirmed and described elements include:

• Juniper berries (taking a backseat rather than dominating)
• Rosewater (delicate floral character in Platinum Pink especially)
• Rooibos (honeyed South African character)
• Citrus (subtle brightness, naartjie in Ivory)
• Vanilla (sweet, creamy notes)
• Orris root (earthy, lingering complexity)
• Mineral elements (complexity and depth)
• Caramel notes (from botanical interaction or production process)
• Honeydew (soft, pleasant sweetness)

These botanicals are batch-distilled together, allowing careful control over extraction, flavor development, and balance. Batch distillation means producing gin in relatively small quantities (compared to industrial production), enabling the master distiller to adjust each batch for optimal flavor and consistency.

For Platinum Black & Platinum Pink: The botanicals are distilled to create the signature smooth, balanced profile with integrated alcohol warmth. The rosewater infusion in Platinum Pink is added either during or post-distillation to create that beautiful color and delicate floral character.

For Ivory: After distillation, the gin is aged in oak barrels (likely former wine or spirit barrels). This oak contact introduces buttery vanilla, smoky depth, and maturation complexity. The naartjie addition provides distinctly South African citrus character that complements the oak influence beautifully.

After distillation (and aging for Ivory), the gin is diluted to 43% ABV – slightly higher than the standard 40% ABV minimum, providing more pronounced botanical delivery and better cocktail performance.

Finally, the gin is filtered for crystal clarity, bottled in elegant packaging, and prepared for distribution. Each bottle represents handcrafted quality rather than mass-market production – exactly what “Live With Excellence” promises.

Alcohol Percentage

48 Gin is bottled at 43% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), positioning it in the premium craft gin category. This slightly elevated strength (compared to the standard 40% ABV minimum) serves several purposes:

At 43% ABV, 48 Gin delivers:

• Enhanced botanical extraction: Higher ABV carries more aromatic compounds
• Better cocktail performance: Won’t get lost in mixers
• Smooth sipping: Despite strength, the batch distillation ensures integrated warmth
• Professional-grade quality: The preferred strength for serious bartenders

For comparison:

• 48 Gin: 43% ABV
• Ginologist (South African): 43% ABV (same)
• Hendrick’s: 41.4-44% ABV (similar range)
• Standard gins: 40% ABV
• Bombay Sapphire: 40% ABV

The 43% ABV is a deliberate choice showing confidence in the product. Lower-quality gins often stick to the minimum 40% ABV to reduce harsh alcohol burn. Premium gins at 43% ABV demonstrate production quality – the botanicals and distillation technique are good enough that the extra alcohol integrates smoothly rather than creating harshness.

Number of Calories

At 43% ABV with no added sugars (pure gin), 48 Gin contains approximately:

• 25ml shot: ~62 calories
• 50ml double: ~124 calories
• 750ml bottle: ~1,860 calories total

All calories come from pure alcohol (7 calories per gram). Gin contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, zero fat – just botanicals and alcohol.

For comparison per 50ml:

• 48 Gin (43% ABV): ~124 calories
• Standard gin (40% ABV): ~112 calories
• Vodka (40% ABV): ~112 calories
• G&T (50ml gin + 150ml tonic): ~230-260 calories (most from tonic)

48 Gin is keto-friendly and low-carb compatible like all pure gins. The batch distillation ensures exceptional purity without additives or unnecessary calories.

Tasting Notes

48 Gin Platinum Black (Flagship)

Appearance: Crystal clear with brilliant transparency

Nose: Soft and pleasant savoury aroma with juniper taking a backseat. Honeydew melon, vanilla, and caramel notes create sweeter dynamics. Soft citrus and mineral complexity make it very inviting.

Palate: Sweet and savoury taste gives way to warm but very well-integrated alcohol. The 43% ABV is smooth rather than harsh. Layers of honeydew, vanilla, caramel, citrus, and earthy botanicals create dimensional complexity without overwhelming.

Mouthfeel: Relatively short body (meaning it doesn’t linger heavily) with smooth, clean texture.

Finish: Lingering orris root provides earthy complexity that fades gracefully.

Best for: Versatile mixing gin – excellent in tonic or bitter lemon with high drinkability. A modern interpretation of classic dry gin.

48 Gin Platinum Pink

Appearance: Beautiful pink hue from rosewater infusion

Nose: Delicate rose florals balanced with 48 Gin’s signature botanicals

Palate: Rosewater elegance meets smooth, balanced gin character. Sweet without being cloying, floral without being perfumed.

Best for: Elegant G&Ts, floral cocktails, Instagram-worthy serves

48 Gin Ivory

Appearance: Golden hue from oak aging

Nose: Buttery vanilla, smoky oak depth, naartjie citrus character

Palate: Oak-aged complexity with vanilla richness, subtle smoke, and South African naartjie brightness. More complex than Platinum expressions.

Finish: Longer, with vanilla and oak lingering

Best for: Sipping neat, elevated cocktails, special occasions

Best Served With

Classic 48 Gin G&T

• 50ml 48 Gin (any expression)
• 150ml premium tonic water
• Plenty of ice
• Platinum Black/Pink: Garnish with citrus twist
• Ivory: Garnish with orange slice or cinnamon stick

Food Pairings

Platinum Black (Versatile):

• Seafood: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish
• Light fare: Salads, chicken dishes
• Cheese: Soft goat cheese, cream cheese

Platinum Pink (Elegant):

• Afternoon tea: Scones, finger sandwiches
• Desserts: Rose-flavored sweets, fruit tarts
• Light cuisine: Delicate flavors that won’t overpower the florals

Ivory (Sophisticated):

• Rich meats: Steak, lamb, duck
• Strong cheese: Aged cheddar, blue cheese
• Desserts: Caramel-based sweets, vanilla ice cream
• Cigars: Premium hand-rolled (for special occasions)

Occasions

48 Gin is designed for moments worth savoring:

• Elegant dinner parties and sophisticated gatherings
• After-work sundowners with discerning friends
• Special celebrations demanding premium spirits
• Building a curated home bar that reflects excellence

Where to Buy

Specific Retailers

Norman Goodfellows Product: Gin 48 Platinum 750ml (and other variants) Multiple locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban Website: ngf.co.za Note: Premium spirits specialist with excellent selection

Pick n Pay Product: 48Gin Premium Platinum Gin 750ml (Platinum Black) ABV: 43% Product Code: 606110205757 Website: pnp.co.za

Takealot Product: 48 Gin – Platinum Black – 750ml Website: takealot.com Delivery: Fast nationwide delivery

Mothercity Liquor (Cape Town – Online) Product: 48 Gin Ivory 750ml ABV: 43% Delivery: 0-2 days (Cape Town), 2-5 days (rest of SA) Website: mothercityliquor.co.za

Captain Liquor Distributors Products: 48 Gin Ivory, 48 Gin Pink, 48 Gin Platinum Black Item codes: 48GINIV750, 48GINPK750, 48GINPB750 Website: shop.captains.co.za

The Gin Co Product: 48 Gin – Platinum 750ml Website: theginco.co.za Note: Specialist gin retailer

Yuppiechef Available: 48 Gin range Website: yuppiechef.com Note: Lifestyle retailer carrying premium spirits

Prices (South Africa, 2025 – Estimated)

Based on premium craft gin market positioning:

Retail Bottle Prices (750ml):

• 48 Gin Platinum Black: R350-R450
• 48 Gin Platinum Pink: R350-R450
• 48 Gin Ivory (oak-aged): R400-R500

Bar/Club Pricing:

• Single shot (25ml): R40-R60
• Double shot (50ml): R70-R110
• G&T serve: R75-R120
• Premium cocktail bars: R90-R150

Pricing Notes:

• Prices vary by retailer and expression
• Ivory (oak-aged) commands premium pricing
• Positioned competitively in craft gin market
• Excellent value for 43% ABV batch-distilled quality

FAQs

What makes 48 Gin different from other South African gins? 48 Gin distinguishes itself through its modern interpretation of classic dry gin where juniper takes a backseat rather than dominating. The 11-botanical blend emphasizes versatility and balance with honeyed rooibos, vanilla, citrus, and mineral complexity creating a uniquely South African character without overwhelming fynbos-forward profiles. The “Live With Excellence” philosophy extends from botanical selection through batch distillation to elegant packaging.

What does “Live With Excellence” mean? “Live With Excellence” is 48 Gin’s tagline and production philosophy. It represents commitment to uncompromising quality, sophisticated taste, and accessible luxury for South Africans who appreciate premium spirits without pretension. Every bottle reflects this ethos through handcrafted batch distillation, carefully selected botanicals, and elegant presentation.

Which 48 Gin expression should I buy first? Start with Platinum Black (R350-R450) – the flagship expression that showcases 48 Gin’s signature profile. It’s versatile for mixing or sipping, with balanced sweetness and savouriness that works in any gin application. Once you love Platinum Black, explore Platinum Pink for elegant floral character or Ivory for oak-aged sophistication.

Can 48 Gin be drunk neat? Absolutely! At 43% ABV with exceptionally smooth batch distillation, all 48 Gin expressions are sippable neat or with a single ice cube. Ivory particularly shines neat, allowing full appreciation of oak aging complexity, vanilla richness, and naartjie character. However, 48 Gin was designed for versatile mixing, so don’t feel guilty creating cocktails.

What is rooibos and how does it affect the gin? Rooibos (pronounced “roy-boss”) is a South African herbal tea plant indigenous to the Cape region. In 48 Gin, rooibos provides honeyed, slightly sweet character with earthy depth and natural South African terroir. It adds complexity without overwhelming other botanicals, contributing to 48 Gin’s balanced, modern profile.

Is 48 Gin vegan-friendly? Yes! 48 Gin is made from botanicals, neutral grain spirit, and water – no animal products are used in production or filtration. All three expressions (Platinum Black, Platinum Pink, Ivory) are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

How should 48 Gin be stored? Store upright in a cool (15-20°C), dark place away from direct sunlight. Gin doesn’t age in the bottle, so it won’t improve with storage. Once opened, keep tightly sealed and consume within 1-2 years for optimal flavor, though the 43% ABV means it won’t spoil. Unopened bottles last indefinitely if stored properly.

Where is 48 Gin made? 48 Gin is handcrafted and batch-distilled in South Africa, though the specific distillery location remains part of the brand’s mystique. What matters is the commitment to South African production, local botanical sourcing (particularly rooibos and naartjie), and supporting the country’s thriving craft spirits industry.

Whether you’re discovering South Africa’s craft gin renaissance, building a premium home bar that reflects your taste, or searching for a versatile spirit that delivers excellence without pretension, 48 Gin represents the best of what South African distilling offers. From the soft, savoury complexity of Platinum Black to the elegant florals of Platinum Pink to the oak-aged sophistication of Ivory, there’s a 48 Gin expression for every occasion worth savoring.

This is gin that honors tradition while embracing modernity, respects classic botanicals while celebrating South African terroir, and delivers premium quality at accessible pricing. When you pour 48 Gin, you’re not just making a drink – you’re choosing to Live With Excellence.

So grab a bottle (start with Platinum Black), select your finest glassware, mix the perfect serve or sip it neat, and discover why 48 Gin is the South African success story savoured by those who demand nothing but the best.

Live With Excellence. Pour With Pride. Enjoy With Friends.

Gesondheid to handcrafted quality, South African botanical brilliance, and gin that lives up to its promise!