Bain's

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is a pioneering South African single grain whisky, celebrated for its smoothness, light style, and award-winning quality. Produced at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, in South Africa’s Western Cape, Bain’s was launched in 2009 and quickly gained international recognition for bringing a distinctly South African character to the whisky world.

The whisky is named after Andrew Geddes Bain, a 19th-century Scottish-born road engineer who built many of the mountain passes that opened up South Africa’s rugged interior, including the famous Bainskloof Pass near the distillery. This nod to both Scottish heritage and local history captures Bain’s identity: a whisky rooted in tradition but proudly South African in execution.

Production and Grain Base

Bain’s is made entirely from South African maize (corn), giving it a naturally sweet, creamy character. The use of 100% grain spirit differentiates it from most Scotch single malts and allows for a softer, more approachable profile. The James Sedgwick Distillery, South Africa’s only commercial whisky distillery, sources its maize from local farms, supporting the region’s agricultural economy.

Distillation takes place in column stills, producing a clean, light spirit that is then matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks sourced from Kentucky. Bain’s is unusual in that it is double matured: first for three years in fresh bourbon casks, then transferred to another set of first-fill bourbon casks for a further two years. This process deepens the oak influence, intensifying flavours of vanilla, toffee, and spice while retaining the spirit’s smooth, easy-drinking character.

This profile makes Bain’s highly versatile: enjoyable neat, over ice, or as a premium base in cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whisky Sour.

Awards and Recognition

Since its launch, Bain’s has won multiple gold medals and “World’s Best Grain Whisky” titles at the World Whiskies Awards (2013 and 2018), cementing its reputation as one of the best single grain whiskies globally. These accolades have helped raise the profile of South African whisky as a whole.

The James Sedgwick Distillery

Established in 1886, the James Sedgwick Distillery is a state-of-the-art facility that produces both single grain and single malt whiskies. Located in Wellington, at the foot of the Hawequa Mountains, the distillery benefits from a warm, Mediterranean climate that accelerates maturation, producing whisky with richness and maturity beyond its years.

The Experience

Our Bain’s selection brings you the flagship Cape Mountain Whisky, an approachable yet characterful expression that showcases the innovation and quality of South African distilling. Whether you’re discovering whisky for the first time or adding a unique world whisky to your collection, Bain’s offers a smooth, award-winning taste of the Cape’s mountains, fields, and pioneering spirit.