15 IPAs to try in South Africa
Two years ago, Banana Jam Cafe hosted its first IPA Day celebration. In fact, I'm fairly sure it was South Africa's first as well. I remember the preparations and what a struggle it was to get enough IPAs on tap to fill a taster tray. A taster tray at Banana Jam...
Beer review: Gallows Hill IPA
A beautiful coppery-amber colour with a lasting white head, this IPA from Cape Town-based brewery Gallows Hill certainly looks the part. But does it deliver on aroma and flavour? It smells great - fruit salad and a touch of spice (from the magnum, I imagine)....
Why do beer geeks love IPAs?
This Thursday, August 7th, is International IPA Day. Now most beer styles don't get their own day, but there's just something about the IPA that grabs hold of beer geeks and won't let go. For them (us), every day is IPA Day, so this week I will be bringing you...
Around the World in Eight Beers – International Beer Day in SA
I won't beat around the bush with some wordy intro. August 1st has been designated International Beer Day so it's time to drink your way around the world - without leaving home!* Here are eight classic beer styles from eight beer-centric nations. And since there's...
African Brew – will there be a second edition?
For months people have been asking me when the second edition of African Brew will be released. "It needs an update!" they say. "There are so many new breweries - we want another edition." They (you) are quite right of course but I can confirm that there will not...
6b Blonde Ale
I thought, considering the last post, it might be interesting to continue talking about recipe development, as we, once again, brewed a beer at the tip of a hat. This time, we did not have much choice of malt and yeast, so it was either a Porter or Blonde Ale....
Restaurant Review: Reuben’s Franschhoek
19 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek. Tel: 021 876 3772. reubens.co.za. Mains R110-200. 440ml local craft beer R30-40 This is Reuben Riffel's flagship restaurant, at the eastern end of Huguenot Street in Franschhoek. Despite being a place you go to treat yourself to a...
Beer review: TCBP/Boston Hopsession
Before I begin, in the interests of full disclosure I feel I should mention that this beer was brewed by my husband and one of my best friends. Just wanted to put that out there... Hopsession is a collaboration brew conceptualised by the guys at The Craft Beer...
Beer review: Triggerfish Southern Right
First off, I have to say that this beer is not only innovative, it's a real eye opener. Let me explain - Southern Right (5.2%) is a South African Pale Ale, a beer brewed using only South African malt and hops (with some special SA goodies added. Homebrewers...