THE SIX DOGS JOURNEY
A Humble Beginning with a Spark of Magic
As is so often the case with life’s finest tales, it all began in the most unassuming of places, a shed that once housed six beloved dogs and a repurposed copper geyser, transformed into a gleaming still. From this modest beginning, a dream began to blossom, to create a gin that would not only leave its mark on South Africa’s craft distilling scene but resonate far beyond its borders.
Introducing Six Dogs
Charles Bryant, the spirited distiller behind it all, was soon joined by his brother Glenn and their friend Luigi Marucchi – kindred souls united by a shared desire to craft something truly extraordinary. In the pursuit of excellence, they decided not to follow the well-trodden path, but to reimagine it entirely. They designed their own traditional copper still, tailored to exacting specifications – a creation as unique as their vision.
Their deep dive into the world of molecular distillation led them to discover that certain fragile botanicals are best preserved under vacuum, allowing their essence to truly shine when blended later. What began as a scientific curiosity soon evolved into a full-blown passion and thus, Six Dogs gin was born.
Distilled Where the Wild Things Grow
Nestled at the fringe of the mystical Karoo – a semi-desert region where no one quite knows where the boundaries lie – is the valley of De Wet. Here, between the Breede and Hex River Valleys, nature flourishes in glorious defiance. This enchanted land is home to Six Dogs’ distillery and the wild botanicals that give the gin its signature flair.
Some of these native plants make their way into the gin, while others are cultivated in the distillery’s own gardens. The team also works hand in hand with local farmers, who lovingly grow specific fruits to enrich their botanicals. The distillery itself is a sanctuary with a view, gazing out over the mountains and the sprawling Karoo, and nourished by the purest mountain water that flows down the valley.
By evening, as the soft lights of Worcester twinkle in the distance, one can’t help but wonder, could it be that the Karoo truly begins right here?
A Journey Fuelled by Passion
The journey of Six Dogs has always been one of heart and soul. With every step, they’ve built a brand rooted in purpose, passion and deep connection. Their growing team is a source of immense pride, and now includes a second distillery – one closer to Luigi’s home, where he crafts gin using a second custom copper still, triple the size of the original.
Each chapter has brought its own rewards, not least in the world of marketing. Glenn, who leads that charge, has remained steadfast in growing the brand as organically as the relationships they nurture – with customers, retailers, and every cherished venue that serves their gin. It’s these relationships that elevate a product into a brand, that breathe life into every bottle.
With Love, Always
Over the years, Six Dogs has been graced by a tribe of extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond – asking for nothing, offering everything. Their passion, energy, and belief in the brand have left a mark that words can scarcely capture. And so, with full hearts, the team extends their deepest gratitude to their Honorary Brand Ambassadors: Shorts Dewes, Peer Ieul, Fran Molloy, Duds Connock and Etienne Andre.