A SOUTH African gin is putting a twist on an old classic – it’s infused with elephant dung. Indlovu Gin is made from plants taken from the elephant’s excrement. Scientists Les and Paula Ansley told the Associated Press they came up with the drink idea after a wildlife ranger described an elephant’s digestive process on […]
A SOUTH African gin is putting a twist on an old classic – it’s infused with elephant dung.
Indlovu Gin is made from plants taken from the elephant’s excrement.
Scientists Les and Paula Ansley told the Associated Press they came up with the drink idea after a wildlife ranger described an elephant’s digestive process on a safari a year ago.
The pair described the gin’s flavor as “lovely, wooded, almost spicy” and “earthy.”
They decided to name the gin Indlovu, which is the Zulu word for elephant.
Despite eating a variety of fruits and flowers, the majestic giants digest less than 50% efficiency, the International Elephant Foundation says.
The Ansleys begin the gin-making process by collecting the waste with their bare hands.
The muck is then dried, crumbled and washed to remove dirt and sand, leaving behind the remains of bark, fruit, and flowers eaten by the elephants.
Remnants are sterilized and dried before they’re placed in an airing cupboard to be infused in the liquor.
About five hefty bags of dung are needed to create a batch of 3,000 to 4,000 bottles of the “earthy” booze.
Each bottle sells for $32 and is marked with the date and coordinates of where the elephant droppings were collected.
“So, you’re able to compare almost different vintages of the gin,” said Les.
The eccentric spirit is popular with tourists seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a story to tell.
“The initial reaction of most people is, ‘What? There’s no way.’ But most people are very ken to taste it,” he said.
If you’re unable to pick up a bottle at a game lodge or duty free shop, you can also order one online.
