On Tap is South Africa's and Africa's first and only beer publication - a quarterly magazine aimed at brewers, craft brewers, homebrewers, beer fanatics and those just beginning to dip their proverbial toe into the mash tan.
I did not start out with a clear theme in mind for this issue, but very quickly, one appeared in front of me. I actually think the idea is best captured by something Barb Baker (aka the “Siren of Stout”) said during our interview: “Wherever you go, you belong.” It is a belief that has propelled her forward in her life and helped land her in an industry she now loves, that of course being the beer industry. I thought about it as I spoke to and heard from South Africans who traveled abroad this year, to the US and Europe, to judge at world-renowned beer festivals, carrying the South African flag. The idea reappeared for me while reading about South African brewers who have taken up leadership positions at…
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela is a Brewmaster with 15 years practical brewing experience in both micro and macro brewing industries. She is also an internationally recognised beer judge and the founder of TolokaziBeer. Craig Claassen Craig started his journey in beer as a homebrewer in a London bedsit in 2004. He is a partner at Neelsie Travel and it was in 2017 that he fused his passion for tourism and craft beer to create the Beer Route, an organisation set up to promote craft beer tourism in South Africa. He is also the co-founder of Lunar Brew and current chairperson of the Helderberg Homebrew Club. Checkout Beer Route at www.beerroute.co.za. Lotte Peplow Lotte is a Certified Cicerone, accredited Beer Sommelier, international beer judge and beer writer who conducts talks and…
This is the season in which we enjoy responsibly and celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of a new one. We lift our goblets high, cheers with optimism, and look forward to new adventures and beer routes to explore. Sadly, this will be my final On Tap letter as CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa. I have served for just over 3 years now and am proud of the beer industry and their tenacity shown over this time, in surviving through difficult periods like Covid-19, the prohibition on the sale of alcohol, pivoting, increasing excise rates on beer, load shedding and generally poor service delivery. The beer industry united over this period in relaunching the brew routes around the country, creating more awareness of the…
On 20 - 22 October, a total of 17 tertiary institutions gathered in Bloemfontein at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Free State to compete in the Intervarsitybrew: Brewing & Tasting Challenge 2023. This was the 16th year the competition took place. It was a busy and vibrant gathering. Over three days the teams gathered not only to compete, but to share their knowledge and experiences of brewing. Activities included tastings, lectures, presentations and career guidance. The beautiful central atrium of the CUT's Hotel School was filled with beer experts and brewing enthusiasts. The competing students came from the fields of food science, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental health, and engineering. During the event they were all exposed to the impressive breadth of the beer industry, providing an opportunity to mingle…
The 9th of September is globally recognized as World Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day, and for the past few years the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) has partnered with the Department of Social Development (DSD) in working towards an FASD-free country through their national 9-9-9 campaign. FASD results in significant birth defects and developmental disabilities. South Africa unfortunately has the highest rate of FASD in the world. The 9-9-9 campaign educates South African women on the dangers of drinking while pregnant. Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, along with other officials and stakeholders, traveled across the country in the first 9 days of September, hosting educational events in 9 provinces, and supplying community centres and organisations with much-needed information, new infrastructure or help packages. For instance, in…
The Eastern Cape has a vibrant tourist economy. It has so much to offer visitors. From the scenic beaches of the Wild Coast to the quaint charm of small towns in the Great Karoo. From game farms to five-star hotels. From the Baviaanskloof to the Addo Elephant Park. It is a part of our country that is rich in history and tradition, offering many ways to enjoy things that are uniquely South African. One experience has been somewhat overlooked, however: the beer experience. Until now. The recent launch of the Eastern Cape's Craft Brewing, Distilling and Wine Route is an example of the unique experiences the province has to offer visitors. Craft beer tourism itself has the potential to contribute significantly to the economy of the province. In 2022 domestic…
