Sophisticated South African Spirits I Leeu Collection
South African Sophistication
Franschhoek has earned its reputation as one of South Africa's leading food and wine destinations. Alongside its premium wine portfolio, Leeu Collection has developed its own collection of boutique spirits, each crafted using traditional distillation techniques.
Produced under the BAS label, every bottle follows its own carefully considered process, allowing the raw ingredients, copper stills, and time to shape the final result.
BAS Just Juniper Gin
For a classic South African Gin, simplicity is often the greatest sophistication.
BAS Gin begins with first-grade Tuscan juniper berries that are gently pressed to crack the skins, allowing their natural aromas and flavours to be released. The berries are then macerated in 96.2% cane spirit, extracting the distinctive character that defines a traditional dry gin.
The juniper-infused spirit is blended with Franschhoek spring water before being distilled in a small-volume copper column still. After distillation, it is reduced to a final alcohol content of 43%, resulting in a clear spirit with the flavour, aroma and palate of a classic dry gin where juniper remains the defining note.
BAS 10 Year Single Cask Matured Husk Spirit
The BAS Matured Husk Spirit begins where winemaking leaves off.
After the majority of the juice has been removed, Syrah grape husks are transferred directly from the wine press into a bespoke copper column still. Franschhoek mountain spring water is added before slow heating begins, allowing the aromas and flavours of the grape husks to integrate naturally into the spirit.
Following an initial distillation, the spirit is distilled a second time to refine its aroma, flavour and texture. It is then reduced to 70% alcohol before spending ten years maturing in a seasoned French oak barrel.
During maturation, the spirit develops its amber colour and layered character. Once complete, it is reduced to 40% alcohol, producing a spirit with balanced aroma, flavour and palate weight.
BAS 5 Year Single Cask Potstill Brandy
Crafted from a Syrah base wine rich in fine lees, BAS Brandy follows a traditional potstill method that builds both structure and complexity.
The base wine is distilled in a handcrafted 150-litre copper pot still sourced from Germany's Black Forest. Slow heating allows the intricate grape flavours to develop during the first distillation before becoming further concentrated through a second distillation.
The spirit is then matured in French oak barrels for five years, allowing the wood to contribute colour, structure and palate weight. At the end of the maturation period, the Brandy Master selects a single barrel for bottling, ensuring only the finest cask completes the journey.
Reduced from 68% to a final alcohol content of 38%, the result is a South African Brandy that retains the bold character of a traditional potstill while delivering a smooth, silky finish.
Leeumoncello
The Italian word limoncello is derived from a term of endearment for the word lemon, and Leeumoncello earns that affection from the very first sip.
A love letter to the organic, sun-drenched lemons grown on Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, Leeumoncello begins with carefully selected fresh lemon peels, gently removed to capture only the vibrant outer zest. The bitter pith is avoided entirely, preserving the bright citrus oils held within the skin. The peels are then slowly macerated in high-proof cane spirit, allowing the alcohol to naturally extract the fragrant essential oils, colour and lively flavour of the lemons.
Once the infusion has reached optimal intensity, the lemon-infused spirit is blended with pure spring water and fine sugar to create a balanced liqueur.
The result is a luminous limoncello with a smooth texture, bright citrus aroma and a refreshing, naturally sweet finish that captures the essence of sun-ripened lemons straight from the estate.
A Collection Shaped by Craftsmanship
Although each spirit follows its own production method, they share the same philosophy. Small-batch distillation, copper stills, Franschhoek mountain spring water and careful attention throughout allow every expression to develop its own distinctive character.
The BAS Spirit Collection is available across all bars at the Leeu Collection South African properties, including Leeu Estates, Leeu House and Le Quartier Français. For a more immersive introduction to the range, dedicated tastings can be arranged at The Wine Studio on Leeu Estates, where each spirit can be explored in depth alongside the team who know them best.
FAQs
What is the BAS Spirit Collection?
The BAS Spirit Collection is a range of boutique spirits crafted in Franschhoek, South Africa by Leeu Collection. The collection consists of the BAS Just Juniper Gin, the BAS 10 Year Single Cask Matured Husk Spirit, the BAS 5 Year Single Cask Potstill Brandy and Leeumoncello.
Where is the BAS Spirit Collection made?
The BAS Spirit Collection is produced in Franschhoek, South Africa. Each spirit is crafted using Franschhoek mountain spring water, copper stills and carefully selected ingredients, reflecting the region's long-standing reputation for exceptional produce and fine craftsmanship.
Where can I taste the BAS Spirit Collection?
The Spirit Collection can be enjoyed at any of the Leeu Collection properties. Whether you're dining, staying or visiting, you'll have the opportunity to discover the BAS Just Juniper Gin, BAS 10 Year Single Cask Matured Husk Spirit and BAS 5 Year Single Cask Potstill Brandy as part of your Leeu Collection experience.
