When thinking of spirits like vodka and gin, for most people Africa does not come to mind, and it’s for this very reason that has fuelled Spearhead Spirits co-founders Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin to bring a taste of Africa to bars across the world. The pair set out on a journey to source premium botanicals throughout the African continent to craft Vusa Vodka and Bayab Gin, which highlights luxuriant African flavours to consumers globally and on home soil.
The result of Frederick and Timeyin’s venture is a portfolio of black-owned, award-winning, distinct spirits distilled in the hills of KwaZulu-Natal.
Vusa Vodka
Aside from its African origin, what sets Vusa Vodka apart from others in the market? 99% ofvodkas are made with wheat, potatoes, or corn. Not Vusa. Crafted from the finest African sugarcane, on South African soil, Vusa is distilled using the purest water from Lions River, KZN, in a copper pot still. The silky smooth, crisp finish of Vusa can further be attributed to their unique filtration process as the alcohol is filtered through charred charcoal, a carbon filtration method that has originated in Africa.
Vusa (verb) means “awaken” in Zulu, and true to its name the range will awaken your senses while expressing the power of African craftsmanship. Known to beat the “best” big name vodkas in taste tests, the Vusa range is ideal for homemade cocktail making as its sugarcane foundation makes for a smoother base. Those classic vodka cocktails that you’ve come to know and love – Martinis, Cosmopolitans and Moscow Mules – are only made better with the addition of Vusa.
The Vusa Vodka range currently boasts four irresistibly versatile flavours: Original, Mango & Chilli, Hibiscus & Ginger and Cocoa, Coffee & Sea Salt. A fifth exciting flavour is launching soon in South Africa: Madagascan Vanilla.
Bayab Gin
Let us be honest, the gin market is saturated with excessively elaborate gins. At its core, the Bayab Gin range is simple and versatile with just the right number of botanicals. Speaking of botanicals, Bayab’s core botanical is the Baobab fruit which creates a sweet and tangy citrus flavour. Also known as the “tree of life”, the Baobab fruit is an icon of Africa that is found in 32 countries across the continent. The Bayab Gin range is further accentuated by Juniper berries, Coriander, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Coarse Salt, Lemon Peel and Orange Peel, among others.
Distilled in the heart of KZN, each Bayab bottle captures the vibrancy of Africa with botanicals sourced in six African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. With balanced flavour combinations, this high-quality citrus forward gin range is perfectly suited for cocktail making and is a refreshing must-have at braais, on nights out and at leisurely brunches.
With four delightful flavours for all to enjoy, the Bayab Gin range includes: African Dry Classic, Burnt Orange & Marula, African Rose Water and Palm & Pineapple.
At the core of all Spearhead spirits is the soul and tradition of Africa’s flavourful ingredients. Vusa Vodka and Bayab Gin is homegrown in South Africa and crafted to suit the tastes and lifestyles of South African consumers.
Vusa Vodka (750ml) is available at a recommended retail price of R299 and Bayab Gin (750ml) is available at a recommended retail price of R359 (750ml) – both ranges can be purchased at selected TOPS at SPAR, Makro, Norman Goodfellows and online at Takealot and Port2port.
