Hopman opens new taproom at old Shackleton location

Last week, Shackleton Brewery opened their new premises in Paarden Eiland. This week, Hopman Brewery launches their new taproom – at the old Shackleton space in Salt River. The collaborative taproom, called 4 Degrees Brewery & Taphouse, will house both the Hopman and Sweet River Brewery beers. “It’s been a journey from Milnerton via Sea Point and Woodstock to eventually arrive safely at Salt River,” says Hopman founder Mike Davies. “We had to navigate the stormy seas of prohibition as part of the deal, but finally we’re taking root at the very spot Shackleton departed from.”

The new taphouse launches this Friday, 25 August – full details on the launch available over on the events calendar.

Black Eagle Brewery under new management

Black Eagle Brewery in Langebaan has changed hands. Launched in 2014 by Hugo and Elmien Roux, the brewery is now owned by Garth Hansen, a long-time fan of Black Eagle’s beers and a regular at the seaside brewery. Garth officially took over on the auspicious date of 4 August – International Beer Day. I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes the West Coast brewpub.

Soweto Brewing Co equipment up for sale

Soweto Brewing Company, you might recall, was bought by Heineken back in 2017. Since then, Soweto Gold – a pale lager – has been brewed by Heineken and packaged in eye-catching quarts and 500ml cans. The microbrewery remained in place in Soweto and was continued to priduce a stout, ginger beer, berry ale and apple ale for a number of years.  Last week documents started to circulate on beery WhatsApp groups detailing the sale of the equipment, which includes the brewhouse, tanks, kegs, bottling line, fork lifts and more. Interested parties can contact robert.bate @ heineken.com for more info.

Looking for brewing equipment? Check out this post on craft brewery equipment currently for sale in South Africa.

Pro rugby players launch beer brand

Rugby players Steven Kitshoff & Malcolm Marx have launched their own beer brand: Bomb Squad Lager. Brewed at Saggy Stone in Robertson, the 3.9% lager is available in 500ml cans and on tap at select Cape locations, including Saggy Stone at Hamilton’s Rugby Club, the Winchester Hotel and the Village Idiot. Keep an eye on Bomb Squad’s social media channels for more stockists, giveaways and events.

Paternoster Brewery reopens 

It might not have made it onto your radar, but in February this year Paternoster Brewery temporarily closed, with brewing operations moving to a contract brewing facility in Cape Town. Happily, after some renovations and revamping, the brewery and restaurant is open again, with brewer Lazarus Ruraca still at the helm.

Got some beery news to share? Drop me a line with the info. Thanking you in advance.