Nomazulu Moyo
PHALABORWA, South Africa – In the heart of Limpopo, a local distillery, Qualito Distilleries, is making waves with its innovative approach to traditional spirits.
The name Qualito Distilleries has become synonymous with quality and creativity. The organisation is led by the dynamic Hennie Marais who manages the operations with a keen eye for detail and a passion for the craft.
The distillery boasts of a range of products that have captured the essence of South African spirit-making. From their signature “Big Bertha” with its 1000-litre fermentation capacity, the distillery produces a stunning 44% ABV spirit.
Their product line is diverse, including a three-year, five-year, and 10-year whiskey, a unique “Grey Hog” pink gin, three vodka fusions, and the “Limpopo Brandy Yonder York”, reminiscent of the famous Jägermeister. The spirits are crafted from the “leftover awkward,” a term Hennie uses to describe the residual product from their primary distillation, which is then transformed into their vodka fusions and gins.
The distillery’s process is a mixture of both precision and tradition, where the spirits are carefully stepped up to meet the “functional kettle,” marking the beginning of the distillation functions. Visitors can glimpse through the window to see the whiskey runs, where the spirit is captured in small glasses daily before being bottled and released to the public.
Contrary to American whiskey, which is often made from potatoes, Haley’s spirits are crafted from corn, a staple in South African and marula for some of their Gin.
The distillery has seen immense success, with the capacity to produce 2500 bottles a day, a testament to their efficiency and the demand for their products.
With a team of 15 dedicated employees, the distillery has managed to secure a presence in bottle stores across Centurion, with their “Youngster Booty” ginger brand becoming a local favorite. Hennie’s vision extends beyond South Africa’s borders, with plans to introduce a non-alcoholic safe drink to Dubai and other African countries.
The distillery’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. At a recent prestigious Whiskey Life event, their five and 10-year whiskeys scored an impressive nine out of 10, solidifying their reputation in the industry.
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It is clear that this distillery is not just about producing spirits; it is also about crafting a legacy. From the meticulous fermentation process to the careful addition of codes and recipes and every step is taken with utmost respect for the craft.
One of the employees at Qualito Distileries, Obert Ryan Mdluli, says life has been exciting in his posting.
“Working at Qualito Distillery has been a journey of discovery and connection. From the days of being a caddie on the golf course till today, where every day is a new blend of cultures and experiences.
“It’s not just about watching alcohol production; it’s also about being part of a process that brings people together from all corners of the world. When I joined the distillery three years ago, I found more than a job; I found a community that shares my passion for golf and life,” Mdluli said.
The visit to Qualito Craft Distillery was organsised by The Limpopo Department of Tourism as part of the Annual Marula Festival.
