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James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery

South African
Location Pointer 79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654, South Africa
4.7
(24 reviews)
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Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of proudly South African and internationally awarded Three Ships and Bain’s Whisky at the iconic James Sedgwick Distillery, the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa and located in the picturesque country town of Wellington.

We offer three tour and tasting options:

Classic Whisky Experience - An in-depth tour of the distillery and maturation including a tasting of four classic South African favourite whiskies.

Whisky Food Experience - An in-depth tour of the distillery and maturation and concludes with a tasting of five whiskies paired with nibbles.

Master’s Collection Whisky Experience - An in-depth tour of the distillery and maturation followed by a tasting of five limited edition whiskies.

To learn more about our proudly South African whiskies, visit our whisky club, Dash and Dram (dashanddram.co.za). Join the club before your visit and unlock exclusive member-only offers available online and at the distillery.

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday CLOSED
  • Wednesday CLOSED
  • Thursday CLOSED
  • Friday 10h00 - 14h00
  • Saturday 10h00 - 14h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (24)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.5
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Hennie K. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 03 Nov 25
    We were a group of seven friends and whisky enthusiasts that signed up for a Master's Collection Whisky Experience. And what an excellent experience it was! Upon arrival at the tasting facility, we were welcomed by our host Duane, and reception staff, with a Royal Buxton whisky cocktail which immediately set the ambiance for the visit to follow. Duane expertly led us through a presentation of the whisky making process. His knowledge of the subject matter showed in his ability to answer our more detailed questions that went beyond the content level of the introductory presentation. During the facility tour, Duane continued to relate the myriad of equipment, interconnected piping, wiring and ducts in the still house, to the whisky making process. A real eye opener was the storage facility where we were dwarfed by thousands of wooden casks, stacked several layers high, in which maturation is running its course. The storage environment with its cool air, filled with a subtle potpouri of whisky flavours and fragrances, was an experience to behold. The high point of the visit was the tasting of five limited edition whiskies. Duane facilitated us in exploring these top-class whiskies, unhurried and at our own pace. The ultimate experience though was the opportunity to taste top class Three Ships whiskies that sit right up there among the best in the world! Our group's sentiments are best summed up by the quotes of two of our group members: "I think it was a near perfect day, the tasting drams were extremely generous. I reckon we were challenged by the excellence and variable flavours of the whiskies put before us today. Truly, a day to remember!", and from a second member: "A brilliant day at James Sedgwick's Distillery, good company, fine drams and plenty of laughs. I left with a happy heart and a new favourite whisky!" Thank you James Sedgwick Distillery and Duane, for an enjoyable and memorable experience that lingers like the taste of a good whisky!

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Tue 04 Nov 25:
    Hi Hennie, Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you and your group of whisky enthusiasts enjoyed the Master's Collection Experience from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know that the tour, tastings, and overall atmosphere left such a lasting impression. We truly appreciate your kind words about Duane — he and our team take great pride in sharing the craft and story behind our whiskies. Your feedback reminds us why we love what we do. We hope to welcome you all back soon for another memorable visit (and perhaps a few more new favourites)! Warm regards, The James Sedgwick Distillery Team

  • Danie J. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 0.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Oct 25
    An absolutely amazing experience, that is highly recommendable to one and all, but especially Whiskey lovers.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Mon 27 Oct 25:
    Dear Danie, Thank you for your wonderful review and kind recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and that it resonated with your love for whisky. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable visit to the James Sedgwick Distillery. Whisky Regards, Team James Sedgwick Distillery

  • Dr Theo M. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 26 Oct 25
    Duane took us through the process and explained expertly how the golden nectar is made. The way he answered our questions showed that he has a keen knowledge and interest in the subject matter, and it was a pleasure to have him dig deeper as our questions explored more and more territory. We appreciated that he was able to delay starting the session, as our overseas guests were caught in traffic, without creating a fuss. It is most pleasing that we were not treated as being in a sausage machine; after he explained the different products and foodstuffs to us, we were left to explore the experience on our own. Having said that, he was always close enough at hand to assist if needed. It is not often that one has that freedom to discover for oneself, and that is greatly appreciated. A truly professional and enjoyable experience.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Mon 27 Oct 25:
    Dear Dr. Marais, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review. We’re delighted to hear that you and your guests enjoyed your experience at the James Sedgwick Distillery. It’s wonderful to know that Duane’s passion and knowledge helped make your visit both engaging and memorable. We always strive to offer our guests a relaxed and authentic experience, allowing time to explore and appreciate our whiskies at their own pace—so it’s especially rewarding to hear that this approach resonated with you. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you and your guests back to the Distillery again soon for another tasting adventure. Whisky Regards, Team James Sedgwick Distillery

  • Estrelita V. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 25 Oct 25
    Our tour guide Duane was very knowledgeable. Staff also very friendly.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Mon 27 Oct 25:
    Dear Estrelita, Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and that Duane and the team made your experience memorable. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to the Distillery on your next visit to South Africa! Whisky Regards, Team James Sedgwick Distillery

  • Shawn S. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Oct 25
    A fantastic tour! Colin taught us about whisky and how it’s made. We were greeted with a lovely cocktail and later sampled several different types of whisky.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Wed 22 Oct 25:
    Dear Shawn, Thank you for visiting the James Sedgwick Distillery and for sharing your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found Colin’s insights into whisky and its craftsmanship engaging. It’s always rewarding to know our guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the process behind each bottle. We truly value your support and hope to welcome you back again soon. Whisky Regards, Team James Sedgwick Distillery

  • Marc M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    2.7
    Food 0.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Oct 25
    Unfortunately our expectation was not met due to maybe misunderstood advertisement. We went for the Bains experience not three ships. It would have been awesome if we had with the masters tasting 4 of the three ships as well as 4 Bains or the 4 Bains only. So the tasing is more a three ships and harrier tasting.Maybe have a Bains only tasting as an option. The tour is awesome as well as the information. Yes and as with wine there's more to the making than only the drinking. Thank you Colin.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Wed 22 Oct 25:
    Dear Marc, Thank you so much for joining us at the James Sedgwick Distillery and for taking the time to share your thoughts. We’re truly sorry to hear that the experience didn’t fully align with your expectations. Your feedback regarding the Bain’s Whisky tasting is greatly appreciated, and we understand how important it is for our guests to enjoy the specific experience they anticipated. We’ll certainly take your suggestion into consideration and explore the possibility of offering a Bain’s-only tasting or a combined masterclass featuring both Bain’s and Three Ships whiskies. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found the information shared insightful. It’s always wonderful to know that our guests appreciate the craft and care that goes into every drop of whisky. Thank you again for your kind words about Colin – we’ll be sure to pass them along. Whisky regards, Team James Sedgwick Distillery

  • Wessel v. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 0.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 29 Sep 25
    We were 18 friends attending the tour on a Saturday @ 10:00, and we really enjoyed it. Presentations and interactions were great - and the presenter could really 'read the room' and mood. Great Fun!

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Mon 29 Sep 25:
    Thank you Wessel for visiting us and for bringing such a great group along! We’re so glad to hear that you and the guys enjoyed the tour and had fun together. It’s wonderful to know the presenter made the experience engaging and memorable. We hope to welcome you all back again soon!

  • Adele V. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 23 Sep 25
    The distillery tour and tasting/pairing was a really great experience. Our tour guide, Duane, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, as were the front desk staff. Would definitely recommend a visit.

    James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery responded on Thu 25 Sep 25:
    Hi Adele, Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining us on a distillery tour and tasting! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience and that Duane and our team made you feel welcome. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Whisky regards, Team JSD

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