Vote in the 2020 Brewmistress South African Beer Awards
I don't need to tell you what a tough year it's been for South African brewers. Booze bans and constantly changing restrictions on the on-con/off-con sale of alcohol have made it incredibly difficult for brewers to make ends meet. But rather than curl up in a ball...
Beer review: Saggy Stone Black Brut IPA
The first time I tasted this beer, it was while we were staying at the cottages on Amandalia Farm - home to Saggy Stone Brewing Company. (Side note: make yourself a new year promise to stay at the cottages on Amandalia Farm - trust me). So, we were chatting and...
Beer review: Tolokazi Sorghum Pilsner
I've been largely useless at updating the blog lately. I scribbled some notes for the Tolokazi Sorghum Pilsner in early August when I received a mixed pack from the brewery, and these notes have been sitting in my drafts folder ever since. But since the beer...
Here’s to the bootleggers, the hustlers, the plan-makers and the rule-breakers
Fourteen. That's how many weeks it has been illegal to purchase alcohol in South Africa in 2020. Of course, most people were still finding ways to buy beer, wine, gin or even, on one buy-and-sell group I saw, Drambuie (who even knew that was still a thing?!)....
The easiest way to make beer at home
Homebrewing has never been more popular in South Africa. Since people can't legally buy beer, they are choosing to make their own at home. But not everyone wants to invest in homebrewing equipment and not everyone has the time to brew a batch of beer from scratch....
Want to learn to brew your own beer in Cape Town?
With the government's latest alcohol ban now in place, there has never been a better time to learn to brew your own beer. And luckily, level three Covid restrictions allow for small conferences so we have reworked our very popular brewing course into a one-day...
90% of South African craft breweries in danger of closure, survey finds
Last week, the Craft Brewers Association of South Africa (CBASA) released the results of their most recent member survey, and the findings were so bleak I decided not to publish this post on Friday and ruin everyone's weekend. I also thought posting on a Monday...
Beer review: Saggy Stone Brut series
In this time of uncertainty for South African brewers, it's wonderful to see some breweries still daring to innovate. Saggy Stone is one of those breweries. Many of you will be familiar with their Brut IPA. First released two years ago in collaboration with the now...
Father’s Day ideas for beer-loving dads
Father's Day is this coming Sunday (June 21), so it seems the right time to start thinking about what to get for your awesome dad/partner whose kids are too young to buy him anything. I've rounded up a selection of South African beery gifts and conveniently...
Upcoming Events
Das Oktoberfest in Pretoria
Das Oktoberfest in Pretoria
From the event Facebook page: Join for a celebration of Bavarian culture under African skies with friends and family on September 13th & 14th, 2024! – Here’s what awaits
Western Cape Homebrew Festival
Western Cape Homebrew Festival
Join the Western Cape’s seven homebrew clubs for a fest and competition at Triggerfish Brewing in Somerset West. Tickets R100 in advance (via Quicket) with guaranteed glass. R120 at the
Oktoberfest in George
Oktoberfest in George
From the event page on Quicket: Celebrate Oktoberfest with us in authentic German style. Indulge in our specially brewed Fancourt Weizen amongst many others. Your ticket includes entrance, a commemorative,
