[WATCH] The perfect way to enjoy Rhino Beetle Gin
With only two weeks left before The Bonus Review Gin Trip Festival, Review asked Yana Mockford and Bonnita Becker, to make us a glass of gin using their Rhino Beetle Gin.
POLOKWANE – Rhino Beetle Gin was founded by Mockford and Becker and they explained that their gin is part of their passion for rhino conservation.
Read more: Lloyd Cele to headline Bonus’ Gin Trip and Festival
“We are, and have been, concerned with various projects of this nature for many years. The Scarabaeidae Dynastinae, or Rhino Beetle is one of the ‘Little Five’, as strong as and as unique as its big brother. In honour of both these magnificent African species, we have named our product Rhino Beetle Gin.” explains Yana.
Bonnita adds that the gin is strong in flavour and unique in quality. “Our gin flavours are inspired by special events and happenings in our lives. After a particularly difficult day we were given a beautiful bouquet of roses and the lovely smell of the flowers calmed our spirits and led us to create.”
There will be different gin flavours available at the Gin Trip on 27 October, namely:
• Turkish Delight – delicately perfumed with rose water but actually best described as those little-sweet-fragrant-soft candy things from Narnia.
• Raspberry and Indigenous flowers – Someone once described this gin as somewhere between a green and red grape juice but sweeter. It has a fresh sweetness but tartness undertone that makes its sweetness subtle. There is also some floral notes from wild flowers which helps sedate the sweetness.
• Cotton Candy – When I see a cotton candy machine, my heart skips a beat and I can almost immediately taste the sugar melting in my mouth. The sweet smell and little wisps of happiness fills your mouth as you drink this gin
• Hibiscus – Created for a wedding reception and inspired by the flowers in the bridal bouquet, the deep magenta colour of the Hibiscus flower is what makes this gin absolutely amazing. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavour and is best served with a few pomegranate seeds
• Strawberry & Mango – We had the privilege of visiting a mango farm and the wonderful smell of ripe fruit led to the creation of this delicious combination
• Naartjie – Rich, spicy flavor. Dark orange-red, smooth, thin rind. Delicious sweet-tart taste. Juicy, sweet, rich and spicy flavor.
• Litchi – This Gin has a sub acid sweet taste and has a wonderful freshness to it that is hard to describe.
• Elderflower – It’s floral, but it’s nothing like the Lavender Or Rose hip Gin. Yes, there’s that slightly herby flavor you’d get from edible flower gin, but this gin is sweeter than you’d expect and a little musky. It’s closer to the litchi gin, and it has a crisp, palate-cleansing finish.
• Honey – This Gin is very close to our hearts. Not only is the colour astronomical but the taste includes fruity, floral, herbaceous, woody, spicy, nutty and earthy tones. No longer can you just say it’s a “sweet” Gin when you taste this one. But it’s a combination of all.
• Rose Hip – Rose hips do not taste like roses. This gin is sort of tangy, like hibiscus flowers. Rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C, so go crazy with this one.
