A Journey from Beer to Whisky
When innovation meets adversity, remarkable things can happen. Such is the story of Darling Brew, the celebrated South African craft brewery best known for its pioneering beers—and now, its first-ever whisky. Recently, I received a message from Guy: “Not sure if you are aware but Darling Brew have made a whisky and we have been invited to a tasting in Stellenbosch.” This was no ordinary dram; it was the result of ingenuity during the challenging days of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
The Birth of Reminisce: Whisky from Returned Beer
Darling Brew, founded in 2010 in the small town of Darling, Western Cape, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and unique, African-inspired beers. But like many breweries during the pandemic, they faced a daunting challenge: what to do with all the beer returned due to lockdowns and shuttered venues.
Enter “Reminisce” a whisky literally distilled from adversity. Rather than waste their returned beer, Darling Brew took an innovative leap and decided to distill it, giving it a second life. The beer was transformed into whisky, matured in American oak barrels, and—after five patient years—bottled as a one-of-a-kind South African whisky. The name “Reminisce” is a nod to those lockdown days, when many of us found solace in nostalgia, remembering better times and hoping for brighter days ahead.
From Darling to Stellenbosch: A Tale of Collaboration
One might wonder why the whisky tasting was held in Stellenbosch, not Darling. The answer lies in the hands of George Dalla Cia, the master distiller behind the transformation. My history with George goes back to the first Wine and Malt Whisky Show in Knysna—where, surrounded by South Africa’s top winemakers, I championed the “water of life” and caught George’s attention with Japanese whisky packaging. Over the years, we shared many tastings, including a memorable Viognier spirit that remains unmatched by any other South African distilled spirit for my palate.
George’s distillery in Stellenbosch is a hub of creativity. As fate would have it, his facility, typically known for world-class grappa, became the birthplace of Reminisce. He worked closely with Darling Brew’s managing Director Tewie Roos, who explained the painstaking journey: They’d hoped to release the whisky at three years, but it wasn’t ready. At four years, the color still disappointed. Only at five years did they feel the spirit had truly matured—patience that paid off in every golden drop.
A Tasting to Remember
When Guy McDonald and I arrived, courtesy of Carmen Lerm of West Coast Way, we were greeted warmly by George and Tewie. Touring the distillery, we learned how the whisky was crafted, from beer to bottle. The packaging is as innovative as the whisky itself: each bottle comes in a book-like case, complete with a library card. Buyers can register their bottle and record who they shared it with, making each one part of a living story.
And the whisky? Unchillfiltered at 46% ABV, it pours a bright gold. The nose is inviting, with soft crème brûlée and burnt sugar, evolving into Cape honey and tropical notes. The palate is rich, velvety, and honeyed, drying out into flavors reminiscent of a hazy IPA—guava, passion fruit, and a pleasing bitter floral note. The finish is refreshing, echoing the beers origins with a moreish quality that keeps you coming back.
A Master Distiller’s Touch
The day didn’t end with Reminisce. George’s generosity meant we were treated to a range of his finest spirits: a 2013 Klein Constantia Moscato grappa, a 10-year-old grappa, a 9-year-old potstill brandy, and then some incredible Pinot Noir and the latest Teano. Each was a testament to his skill and passion for distilling and wine making
A Toast to Innovation
Darling Brew’s Reminisce is more than a whisky—it’s a symbol of South African resilience and creativity. Whether you visit the bustling brewery in Darling or George’s welcoming distillery in Stellenbosch, you’ll find a commitment to craft, community, and storytelling.
A heartfelt thank you to West Coast Way for the invitation, to Tewie for his vision, and to George for his masterful distilling and warm hospitality. If you’re a lover of fine spirits, make the trip—you’ll be sure to reminisce about it for years to come.
Fun Darling Brew Facts:
- Founded in 2010, Darling Brew is one of South Africa’s first carbon-neutral breweries.
- Their beers are inspired by endangered African wildlife, with each brew named after a different animal.
- The brewery’s taproom in Darling is a favorite stop on the West Coast beer route.
Here’s to new beginnings, creative spirit, and the joy of sharing a great story over a great dram!