Opening a can of crisp, cold lager is undoubtedly one of the best ways to end a long and tiring week on a Friday evening. It is also a perfect transition to spend a relaxing weekend. Often a go-to drink, beer has cemented its place as the ideal companion to friendships, food and celebrations. The drink has stood the test of time and remained ever popular even though its production began centuries ago. Beer is the oldest recipe in the world and its origins date back to around 5,000 BC.
To salute this existence and the efforts of brewers to realize the combination of simple hops and barley into this fulfilling beverage, Beer Day is celebrated around the world. The occasion established in 2007 to bring together beer lovers, marks its presence on the first Friday of each month of August. Among the many popular countries that consume beer wholeheartedly, beer drinking has been an integral part of South African culture for hundreds of years. It is not only one of the largest consumers of beer, but also often hosts various beer festivals to support the local beer culture. The country is also home to one of the largest communities of homebrewers, spread across several regions. Umqombothi is the oldest South African beer, brewed with malted sorghum and traditionally prepared by every household during cultural ceremonies.
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If reading or even thinking about beer makes your taste buds salivate and awakens the beer sommelier in you, then the breweries of the Rainbow Nation should definitely be on your bucket list. Here is a list of five top South African breweries you can visit:
Devil's Peak Brewing Company, Western Cape
Located at the foot of Devil's Peak mountain in Cape Town, Devil's Peak Brewing Company began its beer journey in 2012. What started on a smaller scale with the aim of following the passion of brewing, the company is now one of South Africa's leading craft beer companies. giant and operates from the largest craft breweries. While the brewery has moved to Epping due to expansion, the former Woodstock brewery has been transformed into a restaurant and taproom offering a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy unique craft beers and delicious accompaniments.
Emerald Vale Brewery, Eastern Cape
Surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty, Emerald Vale Brewery is located in the lush green hills of Emerald Vale, between the Chintsa and Cefani rivers. Established in 2012, the brewery produces mouthwatering beers from natural ingredients using rainwater, malted barley, selected hops and yeasts that give a variety of tastes. Complementing the beers, its on-site restaurant offers hearty and delicious meals, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. To bring people together, the brewery also hosts events throughout the year.
The Clarens Brewery, Free State
Situated in the heart of the Free State town, Clarens Brewery offers locals and visitors the opportunity to sample seven standard beers, ciders, liqueurs and spirits, as well as seasonal special beers which feature from time to time On the menu. While the brewery is best known for its craft beers, The Menu at The Clarens serves mouth-watering dishes to accompany your drinks. Based near the foothills of the magnificent Maluti Mountains, the brewery has a welcoming and warm ambiance. Tasting tours hosted by the brewery here are free, and its tasting room is pet-friendly.
Ballito Brewing Company, KwaZulu – Natal
Established in 2015 at Shaka's Head, located on Dolphin Coast, outside Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, Ballito Brewing Company has enjoyed huge success since its inception. The full-fledged microbrewery is the result of Ursula and Gary hanging up their boots in the corporate world to follow their passion for producing unique and innovative craft beers. Currently, the brewery offers eight different styles of beer and recently added craft gin to its offerings. A brewery tour is a great way to explore the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The Fountain Brew Shelter, Limpopo
Licensed farm pub, L'abri Fountain Brew is a must-visit brewery for beer lovers everywhere. At any given time, the bar offers a minimum of six unique beers on tap with a record 25 craft beers available from seven different craft breweries. To complement its large and unique variety of craft beers, it also offers a range of food products and finely prepared dishes tailor-made to enjoy the beers. The brewery also offers beer tastings and beer and food pairings for breakfast, lunch and dinner, to further share their rich knowledge of beer, the art of brewing and craft beer.
For a craft beer connoisseur, South African breweries are a true paradise and indulging in a taste tour at one of the above is a fantastic way to gain insight into the country's beer culture.
