Zimbabwe Gin is not just a beverage; it’s a sensory experience that encapsulates the spirit of the region. The use of juniper berries, coriander, and angelica root complements the star ingredient – citrus – resulting in a flavour profile that is both refreshing and distinctive.
OUR STORY
Zimbabwe Gin, the brainchild of native-born distiller Jason Billing, is the product of the well-known, family-owned and run Small Town Stills distillery. Close to the heart of the Billing clan is the journey of bringing Zimbabwe Gin to market. The concept was proudly born in Masvingo, the original home of Jason. Through the pandemic, holding down a full-time job, co-raising two boys, and the familiar ups and downs of the Zimbabwean economy, the dream of opening a distillery quietly grew and, slowly but surely, was put into action.
To make this dream come alive, the family needed to relocate to Marondera in 2022, and it was soon after moving across the country that Jason found the ideal place to situate Small Town Stills. It took many recipe trials, organic botanical selections, and late nights before Jason was satisfied with the perfect mix of flavors, which turned out to be merely the beginning of the journey to bringing Zimbabwe Gin to market.
A few hundred test prints and one talented designer later, our superb label was placed on the first bottle of Zimbabwe Gin, and the team was exceedingly pleased. Zimbabwe Gin made it to the lips of enthusiasts in the latter half of 2023, and the support and feedback were deeply moving. After gaining worldwide attention through social media, the team set to work readying Zimbabwe Gin to leave its nation and settle on UK shelves, set for mid-2024.
Meet the Team
Jason Billing – Founder and Head Distiller: The brains and drive behind everything that happens at Small Town Stills. Zimbabwe Gin would not be here if it weren’t for Jason. A quick thinker, plan-maker and entrepreneur.
Abi Billing – Marketing Manager: The creative brains behind Zimbabwe Gin, Abi has made sure that the world knows about her husband’s creation. Mothering two Billing boys and a family business can be tricky but seeing Zimbabwe Gin reach national and international shelves is something that makes her burst with pride.
Gift Mashingaidze: Gift bottles for Small Town Stills and makes sure everything is squeaky clean. He is the caretaker of the distillery and keeps all processes running as they should.
Delight Chigodora: Delight helps bottle and package in the distillery and has a sharp eye for making sure each bottle looks perfect.
Zimbabwe Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Zimbabwe Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Club Soda (to top)
- Garnish: Orange Slice and Maraschino Cherry
Steps:
- Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass.
- Top with club soda and garnish.
Victoria Falls Cooler
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Zimbabwe Gin
- 1 oz Cucumber Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- Cucumber Slices and Mint Leaves (for muddling)
- Garnish: Mint Sprig and Cucumber Ribbon
Steps:
- Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker.
- Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice until well chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish and serve.
Great Zimbabwe Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Zimbabwe Gin
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Agave Syrup
- Garnish: Lime Wheel
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
Our Crafting Process
Our recipe will never be shared but we can tell you that Zimbabwe Gin is:
- Hand-crafted by Head Distiller, Jason Billing.
- Only organic botanicals are used to distill our unique blend of flavors.
- We use more than five Zimbabwean businesses in the process of getting Zimbabwe Gin onto Zimbabwean shelves and over seven Zimbabwean businesses to export Zimbabwe Gin to the UK.
