The girls from Cederbrew launched their brand on to the South African craft beer market in style, with Chubbyhead Stout making it into the 10 finalists at the 2014 craft championships, held in September this year.

It’s a medium-bodied and easy-drinking stout, ideal for the hot summer days up there in the Cederberg (though I would like a bit more body and a touch more booze to get me through those damn cold Cederberg evenings).

It’s a jet black brew with head that’s the perfect tan colour. If I could get a tan that colour this summer I’d be happy Maybe I should just rub stout into my legs and save myself the petrol getting to the beach…

Anyway, I’m rambling. The downside of the head is that it disappears almost instantly, though no sooner had I written this in my notes than Tania, who hadn’t read my scribblings, mentioned that they’re planning to add some wheat to the next batch to aid with head retention.

Loads of coffee aroma and a nice touch of dark chocolate follow up when you sip. In fact you can expect lashings of coffee and then just as you swallow, the chocolate comes through, leaving you with a lingering mocha-like flavour (imagine mocha chocolate created with quality coffee beans and 70% cocoa). It’s a fine example of a dry stout and with a little fine-tuning is going to be be a really great beer.

Where? The beer is currently available at Hillcrest Tops Spar (KZN) and of course on the farm at Kromrivier. Look out for it soon at Liquor City Claremont (Cape Town) and Teubes Family Wines (Vredendal).

How much? A 550ml bottle is R27 straight from the brewery.