‘World’s first’ cascara-infused gin launches in South Africa

by Owen Bellwood

South African spirits producer Distillery 031 has launched its own twist on the pink gin craze with the release of the “world’s first” gin infused with cascara.

D’Urban Scarlet Gin is infused with cascara, coffee cherries removed during the production of coffee beans. Distillery 031 founder Andrew Rall, said: “Cascara means ‘skin’ or ‘peel’ in Spanish and it is the red, fleshy covering around the coffee bean. “Normally coffee cherries are considered a by-product of the coffee-making process and are discarded as waste. But we have found an eco-friendly way to add a unique flavour to our gin. The cascara adds subtle berry notes without becoming overpowering.” Bottled at 43% ABV, D’Urban Scarlet Gin is said to be a "smooth, versatile" American-style sipping gin. It has flavours of juniper, citrus and berry notes and can be sipped neat, with soda water or with tonic water. The D’Urban Scarlet Gin 'Perfect Serve' is made with Indian tonic water, fresh cherries and a lime wheel. The new gin is available to buy in select retailers in South Africa carrying an RRP of ZAR399 (US$27). Last year, Glenfiddich owner William Grant & Sons launched Discarded, a sweet vermouth infused with cascara.