AU Gold Vodka, First distillery in South Africa after Apartheid, Johannesburg, the City of Gold
Industry: Food & Drink
100% black owned distillery, taking history and heritage to new heights, delivering their message to inspire the US Market and the world
South Africa (PRUnderground) June 17th, 2019
Vodka means the “water of life”
During Apartheid, blacks were no longer citizens of South Africa. They became citizens of independent “homelands”. Blacks became (foreign) “guest laborer’s” who merely worked in South Africa as the holders of temporary work permits with no voting rights. “Shebeens” (unlicensed establishments or private houses) were most often located in townships as an alternative to pubs and bars. Indigenous Africans were barred from entering any bars, reserved for those of European descent.
After Apartheid, black people were able to seek their rightful foundation and life they were entitled to for so many years of struggle
Fast forwarding to the 20 something generation in the 21st century: Dumo Ndlovu and Lungelo Fatyela, two young entrepreneurs had a passion for distilling in 2013. Their vision was never lost and came to fruition in 2015. Their distillery pays homage to Johannesburg, taking pride in the city and delivering a profound message: anyone can overcome challenges and follow their dreams no matter what century. The residue that history cannot erase, and the bright future will never be taken for granted and is celebrated in AU Gold’s fine premium craft Vodka. https://www.augold.co.za/our-heritage/
A lot of love, history, blood, sweat and tears along with “sipping on Gold” goes into each bottle with care. AU is the compound for gold. The city of Johannesburg was founded and built on gold mining. AU Gold is a triple distilled vodka created by “Goldsmiths”. Distilling vodka too many times even 5X distilled can erase the character and flavor of the spirit, therefore people blend cocktails without truly appreciating the spirit themselves. Au Gold captures the character of a true vodka. Long forgotten in the industry big, rich flavors with a smooth finish.
Dumo Ndlovu, co-owner states, “People came here for the pursuit of better living and success. Au Gold Vodka represents that and celebrates how far the city has come. Lungelo added on CNBC, “Don’t be quick to quit”,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHsRjimJFu4&feature=youtu.be
Jay Z https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19540810/not-a-businessman-a-business-man/, and P Diddy own spirits brands https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%AEroc No doubt a 100% black owned distillery in Centurion, will succeed. It’s not even a question when it comes to retailers in the US Market, they want to carry brands with a meaningful message, cause and heritage. Retailers agree, new craft brands drive and develop into the viral ones. AU Gold all started with an idea against all odds. Even though the Vodka market is saturated in the US, a Vodka with this much history and promise is not passed up by the industry nor the consumers.
Dumo Ndlovu and Lungelo Fatvela share a friendship and partnership in AU Gold Vodka. Dumo is a University of Johannesburg graduate of Culinary Arts and Lungelo is the youngest distiller of craft vodka in South Africa.
dumo@augold.co.za, (+27) 812870757, 1 Hilda Ave, Hennopspark, Centurion, 0172, South Africa
Media, Wholesale, Distributor, Retailer, and Restaurant inquiries: Speakeasy Wine and Spirits-www.speakeasywineandspirits.com 720.244.1878, speakeasywineandspirits@gmail.com
About Au Gold Distillery
Au GOLD Distillery known as “the refinery to the team is home of our first product offering, Au GOLD Vodka, the finest premium craft vodka and many other fine alcoholic beverages.The refinery is a warm craft distillery with an aesthetic coalesce of history, promise, heritage and innovation.
