Episode 11 - Heritage & Guardianship
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin be it gin making, gin production, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping and everything else in between.
In part 1 of this 2-part series, we meet Joerg Henkenhaf, electrical engineer, commercial airline pilot, and founder of Broken Heart Spirits located in Queenstown. New Zealand.
https://www.brokenheartspirits.com/
In 1999, Joerg spent a layover from his flying commitments, touring New Zealand. At the behest of many people, he headed south from Auckland to the South Island, and found a winery in the Gibson Valley.
Joerg bought the winery in 2000, thus fulfilling a long-held ambition and closing out a search that had stretched though Europe, South America, and South Africa.
He prompted alot curiosity from his grape growing neighbours, by introducing the local community to grappa, a traditional drink made from grape skins. This led to partnerships in brandy production and producing that quintessentially German tipple, schnapps.
Joerg speaks about his passion for fresh produce, the three main flavour transporters, the effect of sugar on distilled beverages, quinces – the ‘forgotten fruit’, and the impact of COVID-19 upon business, the community and its potential upside for domestic tourism.
Sit back relax and enjoy the podcast
This is Joerg Henkenhaf’s story
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Narrator: @stillmagicway
Editor: @alexiepigot
Voiceover: @antipodeanharpie
Still Magic
Hosted by award winning gin distiller and educator Marcel Thompson, the Still Magic podcast provides insights concerning gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking gin steeping and everything else in between.
Each podcast episode brings gin's centuries-long history to life in a contemporary setting, season by season. This includes assessing an array of different gins in efforts to determine what makes a great gin.
Local and international distillers share their insights as well. You'll receive a rare glimpse into the energy, passion, and desire that manifests itself as wonderful products people enjoy worldwide.
Collective experiences from episode guests will show that the following principles are as applicable to a gin making journey as any other new, exciting, or challenging endeavour
- Simplicity is best;
- Less is more;
- Inexperience is no barrier to success.
Be bold. Enjoy yourselves. Let's create the next gin narrative...