OnTap Magazine

NEWS NEW BREWS Have you ever thought it odd that you can buy wine in grocery stores in South Africa but not beer? A grass roots campaign is lobbying to level the playing eld. Launched in August, #LetUsBuyBeer seeks to change the Western Cape Liquor Act of 2008, which states that “the licensee of premises upon which the business of a retail food store is carried on may not sell liquor other than table wine.” Backed by the Craft Beer Association of South Africa (CBASA) and powered by a handful of passionate beer lovers, brewers and beer journalists, #LetUsBuyBeer aims to change the 2008 act and they’re calling on the public to help. “Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in South Africa by a wide margin,” says Nick Smith of CBASA. “It’s time for beer drinkers to unite and demand equal access. Let’s give our globally recognised community of small brewers the same opportunity as winemakers.” Supporters are encouraged to visit www.letusbuybeer.com and complete the form, which will then be forwarded to the liquor board. Organisers hope to roll out the campaign in other provinces later in the year. #LETUSBUYBEER SUPERMARKETS CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO SEE BEER SOLD IN Fermentation specialist Fermentis has launched a free app aimed at both micro and homebrewers. Features include an ABV and attenuation calculator, pitching instructions and news on new Fermentis products. The app is available from the Apple Store and Google Play. FERMENTIS LAUNCHES NEW APP FOR BREWERS Drifter/ Zwakala Xap Xap NEIPA (6%) The latest collab from the Cape Town and Limpopo based breweries offers up a great whiff of granadilla on the nose. It’s on the clear side for a NEIPA, but appearances aside, it’s a fruity, refreshing and hop-forward brew. Mad Giant Absolute Trouper (4.8%) This women’s month collab saw Mad Giant’s brewer, Veronica Pittendrigh, working with Megan Gemmell, brewer and owner of Clockwork Brewhouse. A pilsner with a spritz of fresh lemon, it’s the perfect summer quencher. Riot Beer Vintage #005 (9.1%) Pray for cold weather when you open this one – a Russian imperial stout aged for three months in bourbon barrels. If you can bear to save one, it should age nicely in time for next winter. Riot Beer Vintage #006 (7.4%) Another beer ripe for ageing, Vintage #006 is a dark rye sour ale that’s already been in brandy barrels for 14 months. Best saved for a special occasion. Or a wintry Monday night. Fraser’s Folly Brewer’s Reserve (11%) The first release in Fraser’s barrel programme is an English barley wine aged in brandy casks. Expect waves of raisin, molasses, sherry and a touch of earthy English hops. Check out reviews of some more new brews on page 66 Poison City Durban Poison IPA and Lager Check out our feature on page 24 for the lowdown on these hemp- infused brews. ontapmag.co.za | Spring 2 018 | 13