Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky – Distillery Profile, History, Tours & Production
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky – Distillery Profile, History, Tours & Production
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first and most celebrated single grain whisky, crafted exclusively from 100% local yellow maize. Double matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, it’s a trailblazer from the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, Western Cape. With accolades including World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards in 2013 and 2018, Bain’s is redefining global perceptions of grain whisky.
Bain’s Distillery Visitor Experience:
The James Sedgwick Distillery offers curated tours and tastings on select days, where guests can explore the full Bain’s production journey and enjoy guided sampling sessions. Advance booking is required via Webtickets.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first and most celebrated single grain whisky, crafted exclusively from 100% local yellow maize. Double matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, it’s a trailblazer from the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, Western Cape. With accolades including World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards in 2013 and 2018, Bain’s is redefining global perceptions of grain whisky.
Bain’s Distillery Visitor Experience:
The James Sedgwick Distillery offers curated tours and tastings on select days, where guests can explore the full Bain’s production journey and enjoy guided sampling sessions. Advance booking is required via Webtickets.
Technical Profile
Technical Profile
Company Name
Company Name
Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky
Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky
Distillery Name
James Sedgwick Distillery
James Sedgwick Distillery
Distillery Location
Wellington, South Africa
Wellington, South Africa
Whisky Style/Region
South African Single Grain Whisky
Year Founded
2009
2009
Distillation Method
Column still
Master Distiller/Blender
Andy Watts (retired)
Andy Watts (retired)
Core Product Catalogue
Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky
Quick Facts About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Location | Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa |
Founded | 2009 (brand launch); distillery established in 1886 |
Founders / Key Figures | Andy Watts (Founder Distiller) |
Production Capacity | Not publicly disclosed |
Distillation Methods | Column stills |
Aging Process | Double maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks (3 years + 18–30 months) |
Visitor Experience | Tours and tastings by appointment via Webtickets |
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Location | Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa |
Founded | 2009 (brand launch); distillery established in 1886 |
Founders / Key Figures | Andy Watts (Founder Distiller) |
Production Capacity | Not publicly disclosed |
Distillation Methods | Column stills |
Aging Process | Double maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks (3 years + 18–30 months) |
Visitor Experience | Tours and tastings by appointment via Webtickets |
About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
Category | Description |
|---|---|
Heritage & History | Bain’s was launched in 2009 and is named in honor of Andrew Geddes Bain, the 19th-century engineer behind the Bainskloof Pass near Wellington. The brand reflects a deep connection to local legacy and ingredients, pioneering South African single grain whisky. |
Sustainability & Innovation | Water Efficiency: Wastewater is treated and reused through an anaerobic digester and reverse osmosis, reducing freshwater demand by roughly 35%.Energy Use: Methane recovered from wastewater is used to fuel distillery boilers, cutting coal usage by 10–15% annually.Carbon Recovery: CO₂ released during fermentation is recovered and reused internally to lower emissions. |
Visitor & Community Engagement | With educational tastings and open-day tours, Bain’s promotes whisky appreciation while supporting South African whisky culture. Bookings can be made online through Webtickets. |
Category | Description |
|---|---|
Heritage & History | Bain’s was launched in 2009 and is named in honor of Andrew Geddes Bain, the 19th-century engineer behind the Bainskloof Pass near Wellington. The brand reflects a deep connection to local legacy and ingredients, pioneering South African single grain whisky. |
Sustainability & Innovation | Water Efficiency: Wastewater is treated and reused through an anaerobic digester and reverse osmosis, reducing freshwater demand by roughly 35%.Energy Use: Methane recovered from wastewater is used to fuel distillery boilers, cutting coal usage by 10–15% annually.Carbon Recovery: CO₂ released during fermentation is recovered and reused internally to lower emissions. |
Visitor & Community Engagement | With educational tastings and open-day tours, Bain’s promotes whisky appreciation while supporting South African whisky culture. Bookings can be made online through Webtickets. |
Bain’s Production Techniques & Facilities
Bain’s Production Techniques & Facilities
Detail Type | Information |
|---|---|
Distillery Name | James Sedgwick Distillery |
Location | Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa |
Facilities | Only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. Equipped with modern column stills and extensive onsite maturation warehouses. The climate in Wellington aids consistent and efficient aging. |
Distillation | Utilizes column stills to distill 100% South African yellow maize into grain whisky. |
Aging | Double maturation: initial 3 years in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, then 18–30 months in fresh first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. |
Focus | Single grain whiskies, including special edition releases emphasizing depth and innovation. |
Detail Type | Information |
|---|---|
Distillery Name | James Sedgwick Distillery |
Location | Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa |
Facilities | Only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. Equipped with modern column stills and extensive onsite maturation warehouses. The climate in Wellington aids consistent and efficient aging. |
Distillation | Utilizes column stills to distill 100% South African yellow maize into grain whisky. |
Aging | Double maturation: initial 3 years in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, then 18–30 months in fresh first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. |
Focus | Single grain whiskies, including special edition releases emphasizing depth and innovation. |
Detail Type | Information |
|---|---|
Distillery Name | James Sedgwick Distillery |
Location | Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa |
Facilities | Only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. Equipped with modern column stills and extensive onsite maturation warehouses. The climate in Wellington aids consistent and efficient aging. |
Distillation | Utilizes column stills to distill 100% South African yellow maize into grain whisky. |
Aging | Double maturation: initial 3 years in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, then 18–30 months in fresh first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. |
Focus | Single grain whiskies, including special edition releases emphasizing depth and innovation. |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
Frequently Asked Questions About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
What are the tour hours and how do I book a visit?
Tours are held on select weekends and require advance booking through Webtickets.
What are the tour hours and how do I book a visit?
Tours are held on select weekends and require advance booking through Webtickets.
Is there a tasting room and can I buy whisky on-site?
Yes, tastings are offered at the distillery and visitors can purchase bottles during their visit.
Is there a tasting room and can I buy whisky on-site?
Yes, tastings are offered at the distillery and visitors can purchase bottles during their visit.
What makes Bain’s production unique?
Its double maturation process in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and exclusive use of South African yellow maize set it apart from traditional single grain styles.
What makes Bain’s production unique?
Its double maturation process in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and exclusive use of South African yellow maize set it apart from traditional single grain styles.
Are there special editions or events to look for?
Yes, limited releases like the Founders Collection and Reserve Expression are available periodically. Check their official site for updates.
Are there special editions or events to look for?
Yes, limited releases like the Founders Collection and Reserve Expression are available periodically. Check their official site for updates.
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Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd
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Get your weekly update on all things whiskey - tasting experiences, news, industry insights, awards & much more!
Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd