OnTap Magazine

February was also a time for the annual celebration of South African National Beer Day, which is proudly sponsored by the Beer Association of South Africa. The South African National Beer Day ('#SANBeerDay'), which was launched six years ago, is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in February, and sees big breweries, craft breweries, bars and liquor stores throughout the country hosting all manner of events to celebrate South Africa’s favourite drink. This year’s South African National Beer Day fell on the 4th of February 2023. Founder and beer writer, Lucy Corne, initiated the event in 2017 with the celebratory day growing each year until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. This year was the first #SANBeerDay since all Covid-19 restrictions and BASA thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with beer lovers across the country. With February not only known for being one of the hottest months in the year, it also signifies the month of love, with Valentine’s Day being celebrated on the 14th of the month. This year’s #SANBeerDay theme decided to share the love by celebrating this year’s theme of ‘perfect pairing’. The theme of ‘perfect pairing’ goes way further than just pairing beer and food. It could also be celebrated by pairing food with your favourite music, having a beer in your favourite place, watching your favourite movie with a cold beer, or even trying a ‘beer and person pairing’. #SANBeerDay is also the perfect opportunity to share our South African love for culture and hospitality. In addition to celebrating the #SANBeerDay, there was also a social media competition where people could upload a video of their perfect South African beer experience and stand a chance to win 12 craft beers delivered to their door, with the grand prize winner receiving a 12-pack of beer for every month of the year! The grand prize winner, Mr Kagiso Moleme (Free State), was announced on 14 February 2023. BASA was thrilled to have sponsored the #SANBeerDay this year, especially as we come out of a difficult period of pandemic restrictions which kept us away from doing what we love and often from who we love. The beer industry is a major supplier of local jobs, an economic driver and a large revenue raiser for South Africa, and we are always proud to be a part of events that promote the empowerment and growth of our local beer industry. SOUTHAFRICANNATIONAL BEER DAY SPONSORED BY BASA HELD ON THE 4TH OF FEBRUARY 2023 ontapmag.co.za | Autumn 2023 | 9