Latest news with #AuslesebyAubergine
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Juniper Moon Gin: crafting a unique London Dry with an innovative twist
Juniper Moon Gin is forging a new path with its exciting blend ofi ngredients. Image: Supplied. In a thriving alcoholic beverage industry, Juniper Moon Gin is forging its path by offering enthusiasts something truly unique. Each element of the proudly South African classic London dry gin is meticulously considered, and the utmost attention to detail is implemented at every stage. This includes distilling the alcoholic drink in batches of less than 300 bottles using a traditional copper still at a distillery in the Western Cape. Juniper Moon Gin's roots trace back to 2013, when its founder, Richard Stanton, created his first distillation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Juniper Moon Gin is founded by distiller, Richard Stanton,created his first distillation back in 2013. Image: Supplied And although it is a London Dry, the most common kind of gin and a style of beverage which is characterised by a dry, robust taste and is often used as a base for cocktails, Stanton conducted extensive research to ensure that he came up with something novel. He believes that his unique recipe, which includes nine botanicals, seven of which are traditional, is what sets them apart. Other flavours include juniper berries as well as orris and angelica roots. With a hint of floral notes, Juniper Moon also contains two secret ingredients which introduce gin-lovers to something very new and different. To showcase their impeccable gin, Juniper Moon will host an exclusive gin-pairing experience at Auslese by Aubergine in Cape Town on Thursday night featuring the culinary delights of former "Masterchef Australia" runner-up Ben Ungermann and the restaurant's chef Harald Bresselschmidt, with gin creations by master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez. Juniper Moon Gin features a blend of exciting ingredients. Image: Supplied. Ahead of the event, Stanton, whose Juniper Moon Gin was highlighted by Rolls-Royce at an event in the UK recently, explained that they contacted several European spice traders in a bid to see if there was a demand for their two secret botanicals. 'Between them, they supply several thousand distillers worldwide, and none of the traders had ever sold these two products to anybody, ever.' He added: 'So although, yes, London Dry is the most common kind of gin, mine is different.' 'If you compare five, 10 or even London Dry gins, there is always an element of similarity between them, but Juniper Moon never disappears and becomes 'one of the crowd'.' 'True gin enthusiasts will always detect something very different, very special.' Juniper Moon Gin's founder Richard Stanton is passionate about taking his brand to new heights. Image: Supplied
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Taste the magic: chef Ben Ungermann and Juniper Moon serve up a gin-pairing delight in Cape Town
Former 'Masterchef Australia' runner-up Ben Ungermann will be adding his culinary skills to the Juniper Moon exclusive gin-pairing experience in Cape Town. Image: Instagram. After cooking up a storm in top kitchens around the globe, renowned chef Ben Ungermann is thrilled to add his culinary skills to the Juniper Moon exclusive gin-pairing experience in Cape Town. For the event, which will be held at Auslese by Aubergine on Thursday night, the former Masterchef Australia runner-up will be working alongside the restaurant's chef, Harald Bresselschmidt, to create impeccable dishes to pair with the gin. There will also be gin creations by master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez. He explained that his decision to participate in the event stems from his 'affinity for South Africa.' 'I have no ties in South Africa or any family connections, but after my first visit, I fell in love with the country, especially the people and also the food scene.' 'My passion for local South African produce, especially native ingredients, has been showcased in a lot of my culinary undertakings, so to work alongside a locally-produced gin fits perfectly with my ethos.' He said that attendees can expect the best ingredients in the dishes he prepares at the delectable gathering. 'Although I am born and bred in Australia, I've lived in South Africa off and on since 2019, and during that time, I've researched many of the ingredients South Africa has to offer.' 'South Africa is so spoilt with an array of native ingredients, especially in the Cape. I've never experienced such biodiversity within a region, and I always try to highlight it in all my dishes.' He added he loves the nation's diverse and unique fauna and flora. 'It really is a playground for innovative chefs.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading On the menu for the gin-pairing event, Ungermann described it as a 'beautiful undertaking.' He explained that he worked with the brand to incorporate beautiful botanical notes into the offerings. 'It just lends itself so well to my style of menu creation and philosophy on what the local South African culinary scene has to offer.' And when it comes to pairing gin with certain cuisines, the chef explained: 'For me it's down to the gin's depth of botanical and herbaceous flavours which make it so universal and also complementary to both sweet and savoury.' Overall, Ungermann said that he loves to create unique dishes which revolve around local indigenous ingredients, as well as incorporating the other senses. 'Humans, like all other species, need to eat to sustain themselves. It's a fundamental necessity, so why not make it a sensory experience to truly elevate a dining experience?' He added that he is also driven to nurture the next generation of upcoming chefs. 'Kitchen culture has changed dramatically, with an emphasis on more sustainable ways to reduce wastage and employ new techniques such as fermentation and utilising local indigenous produce and foraging ingredients.' From his time on "Masterchef Australia" to cooking for prominent individuals, Ungermann said that the greatest kitchen lessons he has learnt over the years are that 'teamwork is key.' 'You're only as strong as your weakest link, so it's incredibly important to build camaraderie amongst your team of chefs because it will reflect during service.' 'I've learnt no amount of kitchen hacks can substitute a well-oiled, disciplined kitchen team.' When asked what he would ultimately like to achieve as a chef, he explained: 'In the culinary world, visibility gained through television can sometimes cast a long shadow - one that risks eclipsing the depth of a chef's craft.' 'While media exposure has its value, it doesn't always equate to respect within the global culinary community.' He added, 'My journey in the kitchen has been one of relentless growth and refinement. As I prepare to open my signature restaurant next year, my ambition is clear: to stand among the world's most respected chefs, not for fame but for the integrity of my work.' 'I want my legacy to be defined by an uncompromising dedication to creating a singular dining experience, one that honours the richness of local ingredients and reimagines them with intention and creativity.'
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sip, savour and stir: master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez shakes up Juniper Moon's gin-pairing event
Master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez is thrilled to be showcasing his skills at the Juniper Moon gin-pairing event in Cape Town. 'I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's reaction to the drinks and how they pair with the food,' he said. Master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez promises attendees at the Juniper Moon exclusive gin-pairing experience in Cape Town 'a journey of flavour through simplicity.' At the event, which will be held at Auslese by Aubergine in Cape Town on Thursday night, Rodriguez will create delicious gin creations to pair with cuisines cooked up by former Masterchef Australia runner-up Ben Ungermann and the restaurant's chef, Harald Bresselschmidt. The mixologist believes that the popular alcoholic beverage pairs well with food because of how well-rounded the gin is. 'Richer and more decadent foods pair better with this gin, as the Juniper Moon notes help neutralise the fat but also bring out the flavour of the dish.' He added that 'something light and fresh' can also be enjoyed together with the Juniper Moon Gin. 'It is a very easy drinking gin, so it will blend very nicely with something lighter.'
