— EST. 2016 —
Born in the Cape, Bottled for the World.
A premium South African tonic and mixer house, crafted from mountain spring water, natural quinine and the wild botanicals of the Cape.
— CHAPTER ONE —
The Spirit of Discovery
Inspiration can be found in unexpected places. For Barker & Quin, it was found at the bottom of a glass. In a moment of appreciation for the world of craft spirits and premium tonics across international waters, we realised that while the craft gin industry back home was flourishing, something was missing. It was in this moment of discovery that our journey began with a single realisation: South Africa deserved a world-class tonic of the same caliber.
Co-founded in 2016 by Dr. Hanneli van der Merwe (PhD, Oenology) and Chris Wium, Barker & Quin was born from one shared vision: to create a premium range of natural tonics and mixers that celebrates local craftsmanship. Our aim was to fuse the star quality of our indigenous ingredients with international sophistication, elevating the local profile to the world-class standard it was inspired by.
Today, that vision is passionately led by Chris, alongside his business partner and long-time friend, Rudolf le Roux (CIMA). While Chris fuels the brand's creative spirit and relentless thirst for the extraordinary, Rudolf provides the strategic backbone, steering the brand's vision into reality.
Three Visionaries. One Cape.
Behind every bottle is a partnership rooted in care. Hanneli's scientific rigor sets our quality standard, Chris carries the brand's creative soul, and Rudolf steers the strategy that has carried us from the Cape to the world.
Together, they share one belief: that great drinks are not made, they are discovered.
John Ross, Barker & Quin
The year was 1827. When 'The Mary' ran aground on the tropical East African Coast, the crew found themselves stranded against the elements. It was then that the legendary John Ross set off on a daring trek from Port Natal to Delagoa Bay to find the medicines and supplies his crewmates so desperately needed.
But no great explorer travels truly alone. History may have missed them, but we haven't: by his side were two very special companions. There was Barker, a plucky fox terrier with a nose for danger and a heart of gold, and Quin, an African Grey whose personality was as colourful as his tail feathers - a little wacky, perhaps, but as wise and true as the African sky.
As this unlikely trio navigated the wild terrain, they discovered more than just a path; they found an oasis of South African botanicals. Beyond their wild beauty, John Ross discovered that these botanical extracts were concentrated elixirs of life - offering a rare harmony of healing properties and sophisticated flavour.
Today, that same spirit of discovery lives on in every bottle.
Sip the legend and let the journey begin.
— OUR MANIFESTO —
If it isn't found in nature, it doesn't belong in your glass.
Every bottle of Barker & Quin carries the spirit of the wild. Clean, considered, and uncompromising.
BUILT FROM NATURE
Sourced from the Wild. Bottled for the Journey.
01
WATER
Water is the golden thread that binds the botanical soul of our tonics. We sustainably source the finest mountain spring water from the Du Toitskloof Mountains, naturally low in salts, free from heavy metals, a pristine canvas that lets our natural ingredients shine.
02
QUININE
The secret to a truly exceptional tonic lies in its quinine. We source premium Cinchona bark sustainably from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a commitment to quality you can taste in every crisp, refreshing bubble. A playful nod: the name Barker & Quin is itself a tribute to Quinine.
03
CITRUS & SPICE
Our unmistakable zing is the union of natural citrus and spice distilled essences, zesty top notes of lime, lemon, grapefruit and orange peel, balanced by spicy undertones of cardamom, star anise and juniper. Our range doesn't just sit in the glass, it sings.
04
SUGAR
Sweetness with integrity. The refined simplicity of pure cane sugar. No artificial sweeteners, no synthetic fillers. Just a clean, bright, brilliantly balanced profile that keeps your palate refreshed and your conscience clear.
Sip the Legend.
Sip the Legend.