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...
Beer review: A new limited edition duo from Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.
It has been a while since I've written a beer review. I did a pretty good job of stocking up for lockdown, but I wasn't drinking anything particularly newsworthy (mostly Pilsner Urquell, Blockhouse, a woefully small amount of Grapefruit Blockhouse and a good range...
Ten expert tips for first time homebrewers
South Africa is undergoing a major homebrewing boom, largely thanks to the nationwide alcohol ban installed at the start of lockdown. Homebrewing groups on Facebook are alive with new members, but I have noticed that a lot of newbies are making some serious errors...
Sign the petition to allow online alcohol sales
I have no idea whether these Change.org petitions actually work. There are so many of them at the moment - petition to ban cigarettes, petition to overturn the ban on cigarettes, petition to overturn the overturning of the ban on cigarettes (actually, if I'm...
Upcoming Events
Brewing Beyond the Basics – Homebrewing course
Brewing Beyond the Basics – Homebrewing course
Want to advance your homebrewing knowledge? Thinking of taking your brewing to a professional level? Join The Brewmistress, Afro Caribbean Brewing Co. and the Craft Brewers Association of South Africa
Winter Fest @ Triggerfish Brewing
Winter Fest @ Triggerfish Brewing
Grab yourself a designated driver – it’s time for Triggerfish’s annual Winterfest, where the beers are big and strong! Expect 9%+ beers from eight different Western Cape breweries, plus two
Winter Fest at Darling Brew
Winter Fest at Darling Brew
From the event’s Facebook page: Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique winter experience, Darling Brew’s Winter Festival promises a blend of exceptional brews, good