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.
As this issue goes to print, South Africa is not just experiencing a slow shift in the seasons – from a tentative autumn to a more strident winter – but also a national election. Regardless of outcome specifics, it feels like change is afoot. One such notable change is the new leadership at the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA). We at On Tap would like to warmly welcome Charlene Louw to the role and I for one greatly look forward to seeing what her expertise and passion can bring to the industry. I was also struck, as this Winter issue came together, by how various players in the beverage industry are working hard to shift public perception, and speci? cally, negative perceptions, of both beer and wine. Among these…
Hester Bergh Hester Bergh is a full-time marketing manager and a part-time owner of Beerworks Brewery. With 10 years of experience in the beer industry, she is also an active member of the Craft Brewers Association of South Africa (CBASA) and a passionate braai enthusiast, born and raised in the Free State. For more information, visit www.craftbeerworks.co.za. 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. Check…
This is my first On Tap letter as the CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA). Having recently taken up the position, I am struck by how warm and welcoming the beer community is. They are experts in their fields and rightly proud of their products. They value togetherness and community, while still managing to be competitive businesspeople. I personally have always valued and enjoyed beer as a South African tradition, a part of our heritage. It is truly thrilling to now be part of a community that is working so hard to establish a wider, more responsible, transformed, innovative, and economically sustainable beer culture in our country. You'll find evidence of these goals in the content of the next few pages. Craft beer has matured into a…
South Africa has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its craft brewing scene. What started as a niche market has now blossomed into a mature and vibrant industry, reflecting not just a change in consumer preferences but also a deeprooted cultural shift towards appreciation for quality, variety, and innovation in beer. This maturation of the craft brewing market is a milestone in South Africa's beer industry, as it shows an increased appetite for local flavours, craftsmanship, and community engagement. A celebration of all things craft, the Fools & Fans Beer Festival this year drew aficionados from all over for a weekend of beer tasting, excellent food, and good company. Now in its seventh year, the festival in the charming town of Greyton showcased an impressive array of artisanal brews, highlighting the…
Brewing beer has been a meaningful part of African heritage for thousands of years. Visit almost any country in Africa, and you will find a local traditional brew and style. In South Africa we celebrate Umqombothi, or traditional sorghum beer, but historically beer is brewed on our continent using a variety of ingredients, from plantains to cassava root. Africa has a unique role to play in the international beer economy. The way it has embraced different brewing traditions – not only various African traditions, but for instance European styles such as lagers or ales – makes it an industry with truly creative offerings and a unique identity. In May, important players in the continent's beer industry united in Cape Town for BeerEx Africa, a major event on the beer calendar.…
Every year a large group of student brewers gather in Bloemfontein for the Intervarsitybrew. This year will be the 17th time the competition will be held. It is open to all South African universities and aims to promote craft brewing and beer culture in South Africa under the umbrella of responsible drinking. Student teams have to brew six different beer styles (Lager, IPA, Sour Beer, African Wild Ale, Summer Beer, Aged/Matured Beer) and also design an original label. The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) sponsors the Summer Beer category, defined as follows: Low alcohol, <3% ABV; easy drinking; not watered down; light without sacrificing complexity; creative expression valued. Last year's Summer Beer winners were 1000 Hills Chef School, with their very uniquely named Summer Catharina Sour Beer titled “Ed…
