African Brew is now on sale!
What’s the point of a blog if you can’t indulge in a little shameless self-promotion every now and then? So here it is: African Brew, the spectacularly wonderful beer book that I wrote, with photos by Ryno Reyneke, has finally hit the shelves! Last night the book...
Non-alcoholic beer tasting
I never really got the point of non-alcoholic beers. Why not just drink soft drinks? If there’s no booze in your beer then frankly what’s the point? Until I was pregnant that is, and now I totally get it. Whether you’re with child, driving, on a diet, taking meds...
The SouthYeasters 2013 Summerfest
I first attended the SouthYeasters Summer Festival in 2011. It was awesome. The exhibitors were friendly, the festival-goers were friendly, the weather was great and there was a LOT of beer to be drunk. Two years on, a lot has changed. Thankfully, the weather was...
What women want (in a beer)
A couple of weeks ago a friend who’s thinking of setting up a brewery messaged me and asked: “What do women look for in a beer?” My reply: “Why would they look for anything different to what men look for?” “Good point,” said he, and so the conversation ended. But...
The evolution of the beer palate
After reading BJ Lankwarden’s book, I was struck by how many imported beers were available in South Africa a decade ago compared to what we have today. Granted, some of the stuff found in our liquor store’s fridges today is awesome and the selection is definitely...
Five beers for Valentine’s cheer
It’s almost that time again – the day that turns perfectly happy single folks into miserable mopers and converts perfectly normal partners into nervous wrecks, stressing over which lame slogan emblazoning a teddy’s jumper is the best way to say ‘I love you’. It...
BJ Lankwarden’s South African Beer Drinker’s Guide
Some of you might know that last year, I, along with local photographer Ryno Reyneke, spent a few months sipping my way around South Africa in the name of research for a detailed book on the country’s beer scene. The book, African Brew, will be published soon and...
Cape Brewing Company Opens
I’m just a humble brewer,” says Wolfgang Koedel, as he stands amid brewing equipment that is more than likely giving some of the guys in our group of cerevisaphiles a beer chubby. The brewery in question is the one that has been talked about in beer circles for...
Hello 2013: My New Beer’s Resolutions
I’d like to raise a glass to 2012, a year that offered me the chance to taste well over 100 different beers. I sampled ales and lagers from 40 South African microbreweries, I finally got to sip some Dogfish Head IPA, I was treated to tasters of hand-crafted ales...
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