Kenya's gin market is experiencing a renaissance, with a growing demand for the spirit and a new wave of craft distilleries emerging to meet the demand.
At the forefront of this revolution is Alexandra Chappatte, the founder of Kenyan Originals, a craft beverages company that has been disrupting the alcohol market since 2018.
With a portfolio of over 10 flavours, including ciders, mixers, and tonics, Kenyan Originals has built a $10 million (Sh1.1 billion) company and is now looking to raise $700,000 (Sh80.5 million) through crowdfunding to boost expansion plans.
Chappatte's approach to gin production is unique, using locally sourced botanicals and a copper pot distillation process to create a range of flavours that are tailored to the Kenyan palate.
She sources real botanicals locally, including bitter orange leaves from Kilifi County, pink peppercorn from Naivasha, and roses and cucumbers from Nanyuki, and dries and distils the drinks through the copper pot to achieve the various flavours.
Chappatte notes that there's a sweet spot in the middle when it comes to pricing against the quality of the product, and that Kenyan Originals is not coming to the gin party too late but is on the cusp of the revolution.
The gin revolution in Kenya was started by a craft company in the UK, which is the world's largest gin market and home to the London Dry gin version and where brands such as Beefeater and Gilbeys trace their roots.
Chappatte says that Kenyan Originals' entry-level gin, 58 Gin, is retailing at Sh1,300 and is taking on Gilbeys, while their top-shelf gin, KO, is retailing at Sh2,300 and is accessible but premium and squares off with Tanqueray.
She notes that groundnuts are 'lovely' to distill because they give one a smoother finish, and that mabuyu (baobab) gives a nice fruity edge to the mouth of gin enthusiasts.
