Longtime conservation supporters, Ambleside Distillers, launched their new Wild Safari Gin at Monarto Safari Park on Wednesday, 2nd of October 2024.

It is the newest blend from South Australia’s biggest independently owned distillery, with 15% of all proceeds being donated to conservations projects globally. It was the first-ever off-site product launch for the Hahndorf- based distillery, which began its donor partnership with Zoos SA in 2018.

Ambleside Distillers Co-Founder, Matt Dickson, says the Wild Safari Gin is a step up from previous collaborations.

“We’ve supported Zoos SA projects with limited release gins in the past, but the Wild Safari Gin is available all year-round, which means we’re donating proceeds all year round” says Matt.

“There was high demand for this collaboration gin, not only because it’s a refreshing tipple, but also because it has allowed us to raise over $80,000 for animal conservation so far. We’re really excited about this gin and what it will do to help animals not just here in Australia, but in South Africa too,” says Matt.

Wild Safari Gin is a marriage of Ambleside Distiller’s previous award-winning collaboration gins – Kifaru Gin & Kiboko Gin – making for a refreshing and approachable spirit, that is also perfect for a Sundowner.

Notes of toffee apple from Native Tanami Apple are balanced with fresh Lemon Verbena citrus. The herbaceous mid-palate of Monarto Mintbush, Saltbush, and roasted Wattleseed are complemented by crisp Red Apple and a warm Cassia finish – best enjoyed with fresh grapefruit, Mediterranean Tonic and ice.

“We’re wild about any drop that helps us raise awareness and supports the conservation of endangered species!” Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted, says.

“This is certainly a gin for good, not only will a percentage of each sale support Zoos SA’s local conservation projects such as a vital breeding-for-release program for the critically-endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot, but it will also support the SANParks Honorary Rangers to help fight poachers and increase safety for rangers in South Africa.

“Plus, Wild Safari Gin features native mintbush and wattleseed sourced from Monarto Safari Park – a sundowner with local flavours and that makes a difference, what could be better!”

Dr Jerome Kalvas, who is one of the resident vets at Monarto Safari Park, has designed the gin’s label, which beautifully represents a safari landscape.

“I love drawing wildlife, and with my veterinary background I usually like to focus on depictions of my patients here at Monarto Safari Park,” said Dr Kalvas.

“But the first thing I imagined when thinking of Wild Safari Gin sundowners was an expansive sunset landscape, and it is this feeling that I tried to capture in my artwork for the label,” he said. “What better way to enjoy the new Wild Safari Gin than by soaking up the tranquillity of a sunset while watching an array of incredible African animals roaming the open spaces of the Mallee Plains.

“The fact that I could contribute my artwork to Ambleside Distillers and donate towards real on-ground conservation efforts made this an incredibly satisfying project!”

Ambleside Distillers will be hosting a long weekend event at the Hahndorf distillery, which will be a great opportunity to try the Wild Safari Gin. ‘Gin Jams Vol. 1: Hahndorf Spring Gin Revival’ will take place on Sunday, 6th October from 12pm – 7pm featuring live music from Lucas Day, Mississippi Po’ Boy Sandos cooked over fire and Wild Safari Gin Drink Specials.

Ambleside Distillers’ new Wild Safari Gin, which is now available for purchase at a cost of $89, is supporting Zoos SA local conservation work
and the SANS Parks Honorary Rangers.