OnTap Magazine

From The Editor S pring is here at last. It feels like it’s been a long winter and not just because of the cold nights and occasional snow. Winter is always a tough time for breweries. People considerably cut back their beer consumption when the sun shines a little less often. Even I’ll admit to drinking the odd glass of red wine on a chilly July evening. But this winter has been particularly di cult for microbreweries in South Africa. When I attended the state of the industry discussion at Beerhouse (see page 10 for more on that), one thing above all else stayed with me: craft brewers in South Africa are hurting. Several have closed this year; several more are trying to sell and even the larger microbreweries are currently operating at less than 50% of their capacity. I’ve heard it said time and time again over the past few months that the brewers are struggling. In ation is up, food prices are up, the rand is weak and people are broke. And what’s the rst thing people give up when they’re a bit strapped for cash? Luxury items. Drinking craft beer is a luxury, but for some, selling it is a livelihood. So what can brewers do to survive? Some of the more successful small breweries are the ones that focus on destination drinking rather than distribution, and of course they rely on you, the beer-loving public, to visit their taprooms and bars. But a tap room alone does not guarantee success. I once read an article in which the writer asserted that when it comes to craft beer, the favourite avour is “new”. I couldn’t agree more, and those that continue to innovate, to give people a reason to return time and time again to their taproom – or to the liquor store, if distribution is their thing – are far more likely to do well. And of course to survive and thrive, the brewers have to produce consistent, quality beer. After a winter like this one, the brewers need your help. So this weekend, gather your friends or family together and head to your local taproom, take a weekend break to visit some di erent breweries or simply get to your local liquor store and host a beer tasting at home. Tell the world when you nd a good beer, and tell the brewer when you don’t. You, the consumer, are on the front line when it comes to quality and it’s up to you to let the brewer know if the product isn’t up to par. I keep hearing it said that the industry is about to collapse, that it’s oversaturated, that craft beer is done. It’s all nonsense of course, and with your support, we can build a bigger, better, stronger beer culture in South Africa. Now go buy some craft beer. Bringing craft brewers in from the cold Cheers! Lucy Corne EDITOR @LucyCorne +27 (0) 21 709 0290 | www.noongun.net | info@noongun.net SURE AND STEADFAST Every day a single cannon shot is fired from signal hill at noon, alerting locals, surprising first-time visitors and startling the pigeons on Green Market Square. Sure and steadfast, this prominent Cape Town icon has inspired us to Launch Noon Gun Brewery. We too are committed to consistency and reliability. Dedicated to Inspiring a loyal following with the finest quality crafts made from Authentic and natural ingredients, the Noon Gun range reverberates with flavour and innovative taste. Not for sale to persons under the age of 18 ontapmag.co.za | Spring 2018 | 1