Bain’s single grain whisky is distilled and double matured at just one location, situated at the foot of the spectacular Bainskloof Pass – The James Sedgwick Distillery, the home of Bain’s, which is the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa.

Located 45 minutes from Cape Town, on the banks of the Berg River at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass, this picturesque distillery was purchased by J. Sedgwick & Co. in 1886. One of the most beautiful grain whisky distilleries in the world, The James Sedgwick Distillery has received global recognition.

The James Sedgwick Distillery is the only commercial distillery on our continent, and produces only the finest malt and grain whiskies. Every step of the whisky-making process on this expertly managed site is overseen by Master Distiller Andy Watts, who keeps a watchful eye from start to finish to ensure quality is guaranteed. It is this keen attention to detail that has established The James Sedgwick Distillery as a leader in whisky-making, producing award-winning whisky inspired by the beauty of Bainskloof.

The Whiskyphiles tasting notes

Official Bottling

• Bain’s 15 Years Old Founders Collection (2020) - Bain's 15 Years Old Founders Collection Whisky Review: A touch spicy, unsurprising due to the hot climate and cask activity in South Africa, and light-bodied and slightly spirity in character driven by the core grain spirit, though these are small prices to pay in what tastes and feels a lot older than its 15 years. Huge cask maturation influence in here would convince you this is twice its age! 87/100
• Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (2014) - Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky ~ 43% (Distell) Category: South African singe grain whisky Origin: The James Sedgwick Distillery Bottling: Distell; Bain’s ABV 43% Cost: £30 What they say: A pioneer in its […]
• Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (2020) - Blind-tasted - Reasonably simple definite corn-led grain whisky with bourbon-oak maturation, possibly from somewhere with a slightly warmer climate, I guessed a grain or pot-still Irish whiskey due to the sweet and spiced nature. 83/100
• Three Ships 10 Years Old (2014) - Three Ships 10 Years Old Single Malt Whisky (43%, OB, 2013) 43% ABV, £40 for 70cl Score: 86/100 What they say: Back in 2003, the first South African single malt whisky was […]

Independent Bottling

That boutique-Y whisky company

• Three Ships 6 Years Old batch 1 (2020) - Three Ships 6 Years Old batch 1 whisky review: Great nose but far too strong on the palate, too spirity and spicy, needed plenty of water to reveal polished butterscotch and that toffee/coffee from the nose. 80/100