Summary

An established Cape Town craft distillery with its own brand, a loyal online customer base and a growing stock of maturing whisky. Revenue grew 48% from FY23 to FY26, with gross margins above 50% each year and adjusted EBITDA of R1.13m in FY26. A tasting room in one of South Africa's busiest tourism precincts runs tastings and classes for affluent local and international visitors.

Give me more information

Fully describe the business's activities?

The business makes spirits from grain to glass on site, using production technology that is rare in craft distilling. Its own design-led brand covers spirits, aperitifs and non-alcoholic drinks. About half of revenue is earned through its own online store and mailing list. The tasting room adds on-site sales and experience revenue, and wholesale to selected retailers and venues makes up the balance. Whisky is matured on site in casks filled every year since 2019.

How long has the business been established?

11 years

Current Markets

Own online store and mailing list
On-site tasting room, tastings and classes
Wholesale to selected retailers and venues
Ad hoc export orders to seven countries

Key Aspects

Revenue up 48% from FY23 to FY26
Gross margins above 50% in each of the last four years
About half of revenue earned through its own online store
Maturing whisky casks from every fill year since 2019
Limited whisky releases sell 100+ bottles on release day
Licences, excise warehouse and export registration in place

Is the business VAT Registered?

Yes

What are the main assets of the business?

Plant replacement cost of not less than R6.0m
Whisky stock at fair market value of about R4.5m and retail value of R17m
Plant ran at 19% of installed capacity in FY26
Owned brand, website, online store and customer data

What is the reason for the sale?

The shareholder believes material further value can be unlocked by the right strategic partner able to leverage and action the identified growth opportunities. A full sale of 100% as a going concern is offered, with no outside funders or change-of-control rights and a short handover available.

Why is this a good business?

A craft distillery with ten years of trading, its own brand, a loyal online customer base and a stock of maturing whisky that a new entrant cannot buy. Revenue grew 48% in three years at gross margins above 50%, and the plant can grow output with little new capital. The team stays in place and the owner will support a short handover.