The Project
A craft distillery (also called an artisan or micro-distillery) is a small operation that produces distilled spirits. More specifically, a micro-distillery is a small-scale version of a commercial manufacture distillery. An operation of this size is great for creating craft liquors and is focused more on the taste and quality of a premium spirit rather than producing vast quantities of liquor. With the opportunity to bring malt distilling to Namibia, we will do so with FLAVOUR at the forefront. Unconstrained by heritage, category and tradition, we will be a distinctively different spirits company.
Our focus will be on experimentation alongside a commitment to produce high quality, full-flavoured spirits for anyone with an open mind and an open mouth. Our mission is to produce the highest quality spirits through innovative distilling techniques, exceptional ingredients, and a committed team of hardworking individuals. Our love for the timeless melding of fruits, spices, unmalted and malted grains, that will give our drinks their taste and character will be reflected in the drinks we create.
A key aspect to this distillery’s business model is locally sourced ingredients. As such, the distillery will source out to other local communities to bring in fruits and flavours to ensure we can provide a wide variety of products. To start the distillery, the Oshikoto Distillery would require additional supplies to make a liquor mash. Fortunately, there are many local sources of fruits such as Makalani Palms (Oondunga), Jackal Berries (Oonyandi), Buffalo Thorns (Oontantahe), Manketti tree (Oonkete) and Cluster Figs (Oonkwiyu) which can be used to produce Ombike and other liquors, which will form the basis for the majority of distillery products.
We are a craft distiller in Namibia whose complete focus is on making a line of all natural indigenous fruits, found in the northern regions of the country. Most of the distilleries in Namibia sell their products internationally. Therefore, our target market is mainly Namibians to enjoy their locally made product.
- Taste for Namibian heritage
- Expanding cocktail culture
- “Premium”-ization trend captivating consumers: affordable luxury/quality recognition
- Growth of small distillers reflecting consumer interest in heritage, uniqueness and premiumisation
- The search for authenticity and variety driving millennial consumers, who are willing to spend more than previous generations, driving the high end and super premium categories. Brands will need to focus on great storytelling, high quality and a diverse range of choices.
- The new generation of Namibians are more adventurous and are willing to experiment with non-traditional flavours and new types of drinks, thereby propelling the spirits category forward. This is in contrast to older generations, many of whom remained loyal to their preferred categories of alcoholic beverages.
Tours
Our distillery will be open to the public for tasting and to show them the sights, smells and flavours that we work so hard to create every day. Our Distillery Tours are perfect for those who want to see ‘behind the scenes’ at a working distillery. The sessions run on selected days and include a tour of the building where you will be shown some of the secrets and techniques that go into the production of our products.