Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery

About

The Master Distillers at Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery are Mike and GiGi. They are also the proud owners of the renowned Lollipop Lounge nightclub and the iconic Big Six Guesthouse in Randburg, both well-established landmarks in Gauteng.

Mike grew up in Bezuidenhout Valley, near Ellis Park in Johannesburg. He earned the nickname "Sandman" while working as a bouncer at the Ranch, where he was known for his knack for putting unruly patrons to sleep.

During his time at The Ranch, Mike met GiGi who worked as an exotic dancer there from 1997 to 2000.

GiGi grew up in Paarl, Western Cape. Her father loved the Overberg, particularly Franskraal near Gansbaai. As a home distiller, Gigi’s dad enjoyed experimenting with different fruits. His ginger beer was a standout success!

A new chapter began for the couple when GiGi introduced Mike to the beauty of the Overberg. While on holiday, they fell in love with the historic Sir Robert Stanford Estate in Stanford, which featured a distinctive Mexican-style cantina distillery. Perched on a hill with views over a dam, the small distillery surprised them with its authentic apricot pip floor and a 30-year-old 400-litre copper still.

The art of distilling instantly enchanted Mike and GiGi. The scent of fermentation sparked their passion, and they dreamed of crafting spirits from the earth to the bottle. Little did they know the challenges of running a craft distillery.

The Jolly Rooster

Mike and GiGi partnered with the farm owner to start distilling but soon faced challenges. The copper still was in poor condition and leaked, and the farm owner couldn't commit the time needed for the distillery’s success. This led Mike and GiGi to enrol in a distillery course themselves. The farm was later targeted by copper thieves, who stole the still. Additionally, they struggled with the complex regulations imposed by SARS. For two years, the difficulties persisted, and they knew they needed a new location.

On the positive side, their spirits were gaining recognition and winning awards. The distillery began producing a range of spirits including witblits, mampoer, grappa, limoncello, gin, tequila, and rum.

As Randburg began to lose its appeal, GiGi searched for the perfect place to retire. The small coastal town of Boca Chica, near David in Chiriquí Province, Panama, caught their eye. The couple was eager for a fresh start. They took Spanish lessons, but Mike found the three-hour daily classes over three weeks increasingly frustrating. Eventually, they set off for Panama, only to arrive during a heavy rainstorm. The constant downpour was unlike anything they’d experienced in the Cape, leaving them damp and longing for the Overberg. Despite the weather, they enjoyed the local cock-fighting, where vibrant roosters with striking plumage showcased their athleticism.

Upon returning to South Africa, they found their new home for Fynbos Distillery in the industrial area of Stanford. Inspired by their experience in Panama, they named their food pairing venue “Jolly Rooster”. The distillery itself was named after the unique fynbos vegetation of the Overberg.

So, this is the colourful story of the Jolly Rooster! 

Remember, life is too short to be a broody hen! Always indulge in naughty fowl play and make a point of wetting your beak at the Jolly Rooster! 

Xx  
Mike and GiGi 

Food Pairing 

Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery offers a choice between a set food pairing menu with eight combinations and an à la carte menu including a complimentary product pairing with each dish ordered.

Set Food Pairing Menu (eight combinations)

1. Beef Trinchado on Crostini - Purple Haze Gin
2. Fried Calamari - Arabian Rose Gin
3. Cheese, Tomato & Chorizo Skewer - Citrus Bomb Gin
4. Mediterranean Pizza - Grappa
5. Shrimp Rissole - Limoncello Liqueur
6. Sticky Chicken Wings - Oaked Apple Mampoer
7. Smoked Paprika Meatballs with Marinara Sauce - Strawberry Liqueur
8. Chocolate Brownie with Cream & Pear Puree with Ice Cream - Apple Crumble Cream Liqueur

À la Carte Menu (includes a complimentary product pairing with each dish ordered)

• Soup of the Day (Witblits)
• Greek Salad (Strawberry Liqueur)
• Chicken Salad (Strawberry Liqueur)
• Portuguese Salad (Strawberry Liqueur)
• Vegetarian Mezze Plate (Grappa)
• Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken Livers (Oaked Apple Mampoer)
• Starter Calamari & Salad (Citrus Bomb Gin)
• Grilled Chicken Wings & Salad (Citrus Bomb Gin)
• Chicken Prego (Tequila)
• Beef Prego (Rum)
• Grilled Chicken (Arabian Rose Gin)
• Mozambican Prawns (Limoncello)
• Mediterranean Kob (Just Juniper Gin)
• Trinchado (Purple Haze Gin)
• Vegetarian / Vegan Wrap (Purple Haze Gin)
• Portuguese Steak (Oaked Rum)
• Dessert (Mocha / Salted Toffee / Apple Crumble / Chilli Chocolate)

FULL À LA CARTE MENU HERE.

Distilled Products & Price-List

Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery presents an award-winning range of distilled products.

Gin

Purple Haze Gin 

Price: 375ml - R225 / 750ml - R420

• Infused with Lavender, Wild Dagga, Hibiscus, Citrus and Almonds

Arabian Rose Gin 

Price: 375ml - R210 / 750ml - R380

• Infused with Coconut, Rose, Cardamom, Saffron, Buchu, Pistachio and Citrus

Citrus Bomb Gin 

Price: 375ml - R210 / R750ml - R380

• Infused with Citrus Fruits, Cardamom and Coleonema

Just Juniper Gin

Price: 375ml - R190 / 750ml - R320

• Infused with Juniper Berries and Coriander

Rum

White Rum

Price: 375ml - R220 / R750ml - R380

• Un-Aged
• 100% Pure South African Sugar Cane Fermented Spirit

Golden Rum (Aged Rum)

Price: 375ml - R230 / R750ml - R390

• 100% pure South African Sugar Cane Fermented Spirit
• Aged in a French Oak Barrel for Six Months

Husk Spirit (Grappa)

Husk Spirit (Grappa)

Price: 375ml - R230 

• Italian Digestive
• Made from Husks (after winemaking)

Oaked Husk Spirit (Aged Grappa)

Price: 375ml - R230

• Aged in a French Oak Barrel

Mampoer & Witblitz

Oaked Apple Mampoer (Calvados Apple Brandy)

Price: 375ml - R235 

• Aged in French Oak for One Year

Plain Witblits - Grape Spirit

Price: 375ml - R230 

• Produced from Rebate Wine

Agave Spirit (Tequila)

Blanco Agave Spirit (Silver Tequila)

Price: 375ml - R240 / R750ml - R450

• 100% Blue Agave Spirit Tequila

Reposado Agave Spirit (Gold Tequila)

Price: 375ml - R255 / R750ml - R480

• 100% Blue Agave Spirit Tequila 
• Aged in a French Oak Barrel

Coffee Agave Spirit (Coffee Tequila)

Price: 375ml - R255 / R750ml - R480

• 100% Blue Agave Spirit Tequila 
• Aged and Infused with Flavours of Coffee and Caramel

Liqueur

Limoncello Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R205 

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Lemon Skins (contains citrus)

Apple Crumble Cream Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R198

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Apple, Pear, Cinnamon and Cloves

Salted Toffee Apple Cream Liqueur 

Price: 375ml - R200 

• Made with an Oaked Apple Mampoer Base
• Infused with Salt and Caramel

Mocha Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R165

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Mocha Flavouring

Caramel Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R165

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Caramel Flavouring

Bubblegum Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R165

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Bubblegum Flavouring

Strawberry Liqueur

Price: 375ml - R165

• Made with a Grape Spirit Base
• Infused with Strawberry Flavouring

Gift Packs / Corporate Branding

Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery has the perfect gift solution with a range of gift packs.

Gin Gift Pack

Price: R155 (3 x 50ml award-winning gins)

Includes Variations: Purple Haze / Citrus Bomb / Arabian Rose / Just Juniper

Trio of Spirits

Price: R145 (3 x 50ml award-winning base spirits)

Includes: Husk Spirit / Plain Witblits / Oaked Apple Mampoer

Liqueur Gift Pack

Price: R135 (3 x 50ml liqueurs)

Includes Variations: Limoncello / Strawberry / Caramel / Mocha

Corporate Branding

Price: on request

Case lots of Witblitz and Mampoer can be personalised with your brand label. Ideal for corporate gifting, bars, restaurants, guesthouses and weddings.

There is a minimum order of 24 bottles per order.

Sir Robert Stanford’s Heritage Show

The Sir Robert Stanford Heritage Show is presented by the master distiller at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery by arrangement.

Embark on a visual and audio interactive tour through Stanford that winds its way from past to present without you having to leave your seat.

Cost:

• R220 per person

Includes:

• Pairing Experience with Eight Tapas-Sized Bites

Please Note:

Booking is Essential

Functions / Events

Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery is available for functions and events with seating arrangements for 40 people inside and 20 outside.

Hosting your gathering at Jolly Rooster will set the scene for an unforgettable experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

• Cost: on request (tailored to suit your unique function and catering needs)

Function / Event Ideas

• Birthday Parties
• Engagement Parties
• Kitchen Teas
• Bachelor Parties
• Bachelorette Parties
• Wedding Receptions
• Club Gatherings
• Corporate Functions
• Team Building Events
• Charity Events
• Live Music Events
• Small Theatre-style Productions
• Mini Expos
• Celebrations of Life 

Amenities

• Catered Packages (menu options)
• Pairing Options
• Bar (fully-licensed)
• Friendly Staff
• Sound System (fully integrated)
• Secure Parking

Please note: Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery reserves the right to be the sole supplier of food,  alcohol, and other beverages.

Private Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

It’s time to party at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery!

When it comes to hosting private bachelor and bachelorette parties, the Jolly Rooster struts its stuff. Years of experience in the adult entertainment industry means that GiGi has the know-how to arrange a private party that is guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun!

Bachelor Parties

• Welcome Gin on Arrival
• Full Tasting & Food
• Cash Bar
• Bar Ladies
• Exotic Dancers
• Accommodation in Stanford (at own cost)

Bachelorette Parties

• Welcome Gin on Arrival
• Full Tasting & Food
• Cash Bar
• Bar Men
• Exotic Dancers
• Accommodation in Stanford (at own cost)

Contact GiGi at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery to custom-create your exclusive adults-only party package!

Awards

Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery is proud to hold the following awards:

Platters 3-Stars 2022

• Husk Spirit 

Platters 3.5-Stars 2022

• Witblitz
• Oaked Husk Spirit (Aged Grappa)

SA Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2022

• Lemoncello

SA Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2021

• Husk Spirit - Grappa (Gold)

Merit Awards 2021

• Husk Spirit (Value)

Vitis Vinifera Awards

• Arabian Rose Gin (Gold)

SA Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2020

• Husk Spirit - Pinotage Petit Verdot blend 2020 (Gold)
• Lemoncello (Gold)
• Purple Haze Gin (Gold)
• Arabian Rose Gin (Gold)

 

The Merit Wine & Spirit Challenge 2020

• Arabian Rose Gin (Gold)
• Just Juniper Gin (Double Gold)

Vitis Vinifera Awards 2020

• Purple Haze Gin (Gold)
• Husk Spirit - Pinotage Petit Verdot blend 2020 (Gold)

Platters 3-Stars 2020

• Husk Spirit - Grappa (Gold)

Platters 3.5-Stars 2020

• Husk Spirit - Grappa
• Witblits
• Oaked Husk Spirit (Aged Grappa)

SA Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2019

• Husk Spirit - Grappa (Gold)
• Purple Haze Gin (Gold)
• Citrus Bomb Gin (Gold)

Vitis Vinifera Awards 2019

• Witblits (Double Gold)

Merit Awards 2019

• Oaked Apple Mampoer (Gold)
• Purple Haze Gin (Gold)

Vitis Vinifera Awards 2019

• Husk Spirit - Grappa (Gold)

Vitis Vinifera Awards 2018

• Husk Spirit - Grappa (Gold)

Pensioners Thursday

The Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery gives pensioners a 10% discount on food and drink every Thursday.

This offer is valid from 09:00 - 17:00 and requires an ID document to qualify.

Reviews

“Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery is a small establishment. It needs some support, and man, do they deserve it. Excellent service and the food is delicious. I will say go and support this local gem of a place, and you won't regret it if you are a gin lover.”  Carlo Legolie

“Our waitress at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery was helpful and knowledgeable about the different gins and liqueurs we tasted. Great atmosphere!”  Jenna Venter

“We just had the best experience at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery. We went for the tasting (gin, grappa, mampoer, limoncello and liqueurs) with food pairing.” Corné van der Merwe  

“Great staff and even better gin at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery!”  Jethro Sanders

“The Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery is a hidden gem, a must-try if you're in the Gansbaai, Stanford and Hermanus area. They make craft gin and other liquors. A simple must!”  Lawrence Bake