Hey – remember me? I used to write semi-regular blog posts about beer around Africa. It’s been a seriously busy few months, with the African Beer Cup and BeerEx Africa, but I’m back and ready to give the blog a bit of love. I thought we’d kick off with a roundup of new beers that have recently launched, or are about to…

Aegir Project Ode to the Harvest 2023 Spontaneous Ferment (9.2%ABV)

The annual beer/wine hybrid is back, again a collab between Aegir Project and Steel Wines. If you’re quick, you could nab a spot at the official launch on 27 June, where Aegir owner Rory Lancellas and winemaker Jason Steel will introduce the beer, along with a cheese pairing from Klein River. Entrance to the launch is free, but you need to book ahead to secure a spot. The golden ale/Cinsaut hybrid is also available in 750ml bottles on Aegir’s online store.

Afro Caribbean Winter (7.8% ABV)

There’s a lot going on at ACBC at the moment, with a whole load of wintry beers dropping for Dark Beer Day on 27 June, and a new New Zealand hazy pale launching in the next week, but this beer really caught my eye – not least for the super sexy packaging. Winter is dubbed a Mexican stout – malty and complex with a touch of chocolate and cinnamon. I haven’t had the chance to taste it yet, but I’m pretty excited to get my hands on a bottle.

Darling Break Free (4.2% ABV)

This gluten-free lager actually quietly launched late last year but you might have missed it. It’s been on my ‘to review’ list for a while (review coming next week – I promise) and considering it recently won a silver medal at the African Beer Cup, going up against regular (i.e. not gluten-free) lagers, I think it definitely deserves a bit of love. More on this very soon.

Jack Black Wolves of Winter (5.5%)

The annual winter beer from Jack Black is back on the shelves and I can tell you that this year’s is a goodie. An oatmeal stout with luscious mouthfeel and a generous chocolate character, it’s a great winter tipple for when you still want to stay in the lower ABV range. Available nationwide while stocks last.

Kennel x Shackleton Shackennel O’Neal (5.7% ABV)

Well this Cape collab definitely wins the prize for the best named new beer. A hazy IPA featuring Cascade and Ekuanot hops, the beer launches on 28 June at all three of Kennel’s St Beeryard venues, as well as the Biggest Little Beer Shop.

Kweza Craft Brewery Ramuka (6.2% ABV)

I’m not sure how many readers I have in Rwanda, but saw a post about this new beer and thought it was definitely worth a share. Ramuka is a Rwandan take on the Ukrainian Golden Ale, featuring malted sorghum alongside barley malt and the unique addition of coriander. The beer launches on 28 June at Kweza Craft Brewery in Kigali.

Nova Beer Project Pale Ale (4.8% ABV)

It’s great to see a new beer from Anja van Zyl’s gypsy brand Nova Beer Project on the market. Sessionable at 4.8% ABV and 32 IBUs, it’s an everyday drinker to keep in your fridge for those warmer winter days.

OC Brewery Yeti 19 (6% ABV)

It’s amazing to think that Yeti Underground Movement, a collab between OC Brewery and Bearded Brew, is now on its 19th release. Launching next week in cans and on tap at Capital Craft, the latest beer is a straight up black IPA balancing dark malts and Citra and Mosaic hops in perfect harmony. I was lucky enough to get a sneaky taste when I recently visited the taproom in Jo’burg and hope some of this much maligned (but much loved by me) style makes its way to the Cape.

Saggy Stone Pale Weizenbock (7.2%ABV)

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a small batch release from Saggy Stone, so I was happy to hear that they’re launching a Weizenbock next month. Join head brewer Liam McElhinney at Saggy Stone Lakes in Somerset West on 5 July to be the first to taste the beer and if you’re a homebrewer, you can even grab a kit to try and recreate the beer at home. Cans will be available at the launch, and then from the Saggy Stone online store.

Shackleton Astro Boost NEIPA (7.1% ABV)

A collab with Castle Malting, Fermentis and Yakima Chief Hops, Astro Boost launches this Friday, 28 June (also my mum’s birthday – happy birthday mum!). The beer is available on tap only, so head over to Shackleton for a pint and a slice of pizza or two from NY Slice from 3pm.

Soul Barrel Old Cellar Sorghumwine (14% ABV)

Likely a world first, Soul barrel launches their maiden ‘Sorghumwine’ this weekend, alongside the rerelease of the Old Cellar Barleywine. Brewed with sorghum malt, fermented for over two months, then aged in a bourbon and brandy barrel for almost two years, the Sorghumwine is designed to be a winter nightcap beer. I haven’t had chance to taste it yet – let me know what you think of it when you get hold of it.

Triggerfish Macadamia Winter (10% ABV)

Triggerfish is well known for producing high ABV beers, and indeed their annual Winterfest (27 July) is a celebration of big and boozy brews. This is the Somerset West brewery’s special launch for this year’s fest – a Belgian dark strong ale loaded with 8kg of macadamia nuts. Tickets to the fest are available via Quicket.

Have you tasted any of these beers? Would love to know what you thought, or if you haven’t yet had chance to taste, I’d love to hear which ones you’re most excited about.

Brewers – want to see your beers on the next list? Please get in touch with details (I also quite like receiving beers to review as well…:D)