Alongside the vineyards, guavas have long been part of Dekkersvlei Vineyards. Now, fruit from the orchard is being turned into a new spirit, Guava Mampoer.
Made entirely at Dekkersvlei, this small-batch spirit takes locally grown guavas from the farm through fermentation and double distillation in copper pot stills. The result is a strong, dry spirit with a distinct fruit character and peppery, peach-like notes.
What is Mampoer?
Mampoer is a South African fruit spirit made from fermented fruit other than grapes. It is distilled in a pot still and generally has an alcohol content of 50% – 75% ABV.
So while it is made using a similar combination of fermentation and distillation to other spirits, the fruit used and the way it is classified make mampoer its own category.
And unlike our Cape potstill brandy, Guava Mampoer does not spend time in wooden barrels. It is bottled after distillation, keeping the character of the guava at the centre.
How is Guava Mampoer Made?
Guava Mampoer starts with picking ripe guavas from Dekkersvlei’s orchard. The ripe guavas are cut in half and pressed, the mixture is then strained and the juice gets distilled twice in copper pot stills. During the distillation process, the alcohol level is carefully monitored throughout before the spirit is brought to 50% ABV. The Guava Mampoer is not aged or matured, and no flavouring is added afterwards. Its fruity character comes entirely from the guavas grown on the farm.
What Does Guava Mampoer Taste Like?
Guava Mampoer is dry and strong, with a clear fruit character. There are peppery notes alongside hints of peach, with the natural aroma of the guava coming through.
It can be enjoyed neat or over ice, or used as the base for a cocktail. Citrus, ginger and sparkling ingredients work particularly well with the fruit character of the spirit.
Grown on the Farm
The guavas don’t stop being useful once they have gone through the press.
The remaining pulp is left to break down into compost, which is then used around the guava trees and vineyards. It is one small way of making use of more of what the farm produces rather than letting it go to waste.
There is also another way to enjoy the guavas at Dekkersvlei. Our deli stocks spiced guava chutney made with guavas from the farm, although quantities are limited. If you are visiting, ask the team about what is available.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is mampoer?
Mampoer is a strong South African fruit spirit made by fermenting fruit other than grapes and distilling it in a pot still.
What fruit can mampoer be made from?
Mampoer can be made from fermented fruit other than grapes. Traditionally, fruits such as peaches, apricots, plums and other seasonal fruit have been used.
Is mampoer a South African spirit?
Yes, mampoer is a distinctly South African category of fruit spirit and is specifically recognised in South Africa.
What does mampoer tastes like?
It depends on the fruit used. Dekkersvlei’s guava mampoer is dry and fruity, with peppery notes and hints of peach.
How are you supposed to drink mampoer?
Mampoer can be enjoyed neat or over ice. Beacuse it’s a strong spirit, it can also be used in cocktails or mixed with a suitable mixer.
What is the difference between mampoer and moonshine?
Mampoer is a specifically defined South African fruit spirit made from fermented fruit other than grapes. Moonshine is a broad term for traditionally or informally distilled spirits and is not a specific type of spirit.
Does Dekkersvlei add flavouring to their guava mampoer?
No, Dekkersvlei does not add any additional flavouring to their guava mampoer, the character of the fruit comes from the guavas.
Is mampoer aged?
No, unlike cape potstill brandy, mampoer is not matured in wooden barrels. It is bottled after distillation.
Where do the guavas come from?
The guavas are grown on Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl, alongside the vineyards.
What can you mix with guava mampoer?
Its fruity character works well with fresh citrus, ginger and sparkling mixers. It can also be used in cocktails such as a Guava Mampoer Mule (swap the vodka for mampoer).
Does Dekkersvlei make anything else from its guavas?
Yes. Dekkersvlei’s deli also stocks spiced guava chutney, although stock is limited.
