OnTap Magazine

HOMEBREWER Nkululeko Mnisi, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Q: When and why did you start homebrewing? A: I started homebrewing in October 2019, with my wife Thembi. My love for craft beer got me into homebrewing and I got fascinated by the whole process of crafting beer that is full of flavours and aromas. My wife finally got me to start after planning to start for over two years. She bought a brewing kit for us to try and the rest is history. Q: What’s the best beer you’ve ever made? A: The best beer I’ve brewed so far is a New England IPA. NEIPAs are fascinating to me because they don’t look like normal amber or pale beers. They look and taste more like an orange smoothie juice with loads of citrus flavours. This style of beer requires the homebrewer to pay attention to details because it’s easy to get it wrong, especially with oxidation. Q: What is your biggest brewing disaster? A: It was brew day and I was feeling excited. It was my first attempt at a lager and I had a few drinks before mashing in. I could not hold my mash temp. The beer did no taste so well and I had to chuck it away. Q: Describe your system in a sentence A: Homemade brew in a bag system. Q: Do you have any brew day quirks or traditions? A: Beer in hand is a must – but two pints max before mashing in! And feel-good music playing. Currently on my playlist I have Soul Brothers (my dad’s favourite group), Bob Marley and some classic blues hits. Q: What would be your ultimate clone? A: That would definitely be the Piña Colada Scream IPA from Stellenbosch Brewing Company. Q: What is your main homebrewing goal? A: To brew award-winning homebrews and always have beer on tap. MEET A Club: Wijnland Homebrewers Club 62 | Spring 2021 | ontapmag.co.za