OnTap Magazine

BREW REVIEWS REVIEWERS: Greg Gilowey & Karl Tessendorf (GG & KT), Lucy Corne (LC), Megan Gemmell & Dion van Huyssteen (MG & DvH) BREWNEWS The first impression brings strong aromas of caramel, dark fruit and chocolate, softened with light vanilla; this limited edition beer from Nguni Brewing Co has been aged in white oak, which really brings a luxurious smoothness to the beer. The flavour continues what the aroma promised, with a beautiful balance of flavours with no character overpowering the others. We love a good Baltic porter for the many layers of flavour they present; however there was a slight lack of alcohol character in this one which would have really rounded it off. That said, it is remarkably drinkable, and we easily found ourselves wanting another pint. – MG & DvH Nguni Brewing Company BALTIC PORTER (6%) 3.75 Although Poison City was the first SA brewery to release a “cannabis beer”, Stellies is the first to use cannabidiol (CBD) in a commercial brew. At 5mg per can, it’s a fairly small dose. The jury is out on the CBD dosage to get the best benefits, but it’s generally considered to be at least 20mg, so you’re going to have to finish a four pack if you’re looking for relief from anxiety, sleeplessness and general aches and pains (and let’s face it, a four pack of most things will do that in the short term). If you’re expecting a big dank whiff of weed, you’ll be disappointed. Cann-o-Bliss – a pale lager – is a fairly subtle beer with some malt sweetness on the nose, low floral notes and a hint of spice. There’s a slight herbaceous flavour and a low grainy sweetness, though the beer finishes pleasantly dry. It’s a crisp, refreshing beer that will go down a treat on a sunny day. The first batch sold out in record time but a second, larger batch will be ready by the time you read this. – LC Stellenbosch Brewing Company CANN-O-BLISS LAGER (4%) 3.4 We love the Wolf (CBC’s master brewer Wolfgang Koedel), and if you’ve ever met him, you’ll know there’s nothing subtle about him. It’s the same with this beer, the latest in the Brewmaster’s Reserve Series from the CBC brewing team. It pours copper-brown with a tan head that just keeps sticking around. Toast, caramel and chocolate aromas are backed up by malt sweetness, and those aromas are echoed in the taste. Low hop bitterness and ample ABV make for a balanced beer and a clean, if a little boozy finish. Turn on the German national anthem and shout it out - Prost! – GG & KT Cape Brewing Company DOPPELBOCK (8%) 3.8 It’s the second year that Jack Black has released their seasonal stout and this year the beer received some winning tweaks. It pours deep, deep brown with a dense, moussey head that only falls slightly. The aroma is fairly subtle – a touch of leather and a background hint of dark chocolate. But where this beer really shines is on the mouthfeel. It’s luscious and velvety – not too full bodied but far from thin or watery and with just the right amount of carbonation. As well as chocolate and a hint of coffee, there is an unmistakeable note of biscuits in the background. Think of a chocolate digestive dipped into a macchiato, then translate that into a beer. Wolves of Winter is perfect with or instead of dessert – grab a four pack of it while you can. – LC Jack Black's Brewing Co. WOLVES OF WINTER (5.5%) 3.9 60 | Spring 2019 | ontapmag.co.za