OnTap Magazine

As craft beer continues to slowly spread across the continent, the first microbrewery in Botswana has opened. Based in Gaborone, Big Sip Co. actually quietly launched last year, but their products are just starting to be seen in bars and restaurants around the Botswanan capital. The brewery produces four beers – Kölsch, golden ale, APA and American IPA. Behind the brews is Jan-Hendrik de Buhr, who had been homebrewing for six years before launching Big Sip, and Australian-born Alexander Moss. “Currently the beers are found in a handful of restaurants and bars in Gaborone,” says Alexander. “But we are widening the network to Kasane in the north-east of Botswana, and will also start commencing shipments to Maun in the north-west soon.” The pair also plans to start exporting in 2019. “We are keen to start exporting into South Africa, where we have already received great feedback from early samples in Gauteng and the Western Cape,” says Alexander. “However we are also focused on targeting other regional countries where craft beer is still in its infancy, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and to a lesser extent, Namibia.” GETS ITS FIRST CRAFT BREWERY BREW NEWS Africa Brew, a three-day brewers’ get together, is back – and this year it’s in the Cape. Following successful events in Parys and Nottingham Road, the event will be held at Old Potter’s Inn in Greyton, with the theme “Let’s Go Capeshit!” For Gautengers, the fun kicks off on October 31, with a noon departure from Johannesburg train station on the Shosholoza Meyl. Beer on board is sponsored by Stimela Brewing Co. Train tickets are R760 and must be booked directly. The event takes place from November 2 – 4 and sees homebrewers and commercial brewers coming together for a series of workshops, talks, brew sessions and the popular brewers’ roast. It’s a bargain R250 for the weekend to attend the festivities, and don’t forget to buy your Africa Brew t-shirt when you book. Be sure to book your Greyton accommodation sooner rather than later… Follow @africa_brew on Twitter or join the Facebook page for updates. The organisers are also seeking sponsors to donate prizes, so get in touch and support! www.africabrew.co.za AFRICA BREW SASOLBURG GETS A NEW BOTSWANA IS BACK! Stash Breweries are brand new to the brewing scene, but quickly got themselves noticed for their cool and highly informative labels. The Sasolburg brewery launched in August with a blonde ale, session IPA, amber ale and an imperial IPA. As well as pairing suggestions, ABV, suggested serving temperature and IBUs, the labels list the malts and hops used in each brew and even come with a suggested music pairing. The beers are currently available in limited venues in Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Meyerton and Johannesburg. We hope to bring you reviews of the beers in our summer issue. BREWERY 14 | Spring 2018 | ontapmag.co.za