Big Screen Rugby at Jolly Rooster Distillery
Catch the Bokke on the big screen at Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery in Stanford!
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.
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
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.
Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery presents an award-winning range of distilled products.
Purple Haze Gin
Price: 375ml - R225 / 750ml - R420
Arabian Rose Gin
Price: 375ml - R210 / 750ml - R380
Citrus Bomb Gin
Price: 375ml - R210 / R750ml - R380
Just Juniper Gin
Price: 375ml - R190 / 750ml - R320
White Rum
Price: 375ml - R220 / R750ml - R380
Golden Rum (Aged Rum)
Price: 375ml - R230 / R750ml - R390
Husk Spirit (Grappa)
Price: 375ml - R230
Oaked Husk Spirit (Aged Grappa)
Price: 375ml - R230
Oaked Apple Mampoer (Calvados Apple Brandy)
Price: 375ml - R235
Plain Witblits - Grape Spirit
Price: 375ml - R230
Blanco Agave Spirit (Silver Tequila)
Price: 375ml - R240 / R750ml - R450
Reposado Agave Spirit (Gold Tequila)
Price: 375ml - R255 / R750ml - R480
Coffee Agave Spirit (Coffee Tequila)
Price: 375ml - R255 / R750ml - R480
Limoncello Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R205
Apple Crumble Cream Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R198
Salted Toffee Apple Cream Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R200
Mocha Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R165
Caramel Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R165
Bubblegum Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R165
Strawberry Liqueur
Price: 375ml - R165
Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery has the perfect gift solution with a range of gift packs.
Price: R155 (3 x 50ml award-winning gins)
Includes Variations: Purple Haze / Citrus Bomb / Arabian Rose / Just Juniper
Price: R145 (3 x 50ml award-winning base spirits)
Includes: Husk Spirit / Plain Witblits / Oaked Apple Mampoer
Price: R135 (3 x 50ml liqueurs)
Includes Variations: Limoncello / Strawberry / Caramel / Mocha
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.
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:
Includes:
Please Note:
Booking is Essential
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.
Please note: Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery reserves the right to be the sole supplier of food, alcohol, and other beverages.
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!
Contact GiGi at the Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery to custom-create your exclusive adults-only party package!
Jolly Rooster @ Fynbos Distillery is proud to hold the following awards:
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.
“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