OnTap Magazine

T  he picturesque venue hosted 27 homebrewers on the day who presented a total of 41 homebrews. This year, ten of these beers were traditional hand pull cask ales. From mead to dunkel, ciders to ales there was something on offer appealing to every beer lover's taste. Dynamite Distilling had their own gin, vodka, brandy and liqueurs available, ensuring that non-beer drinkers could also enjoy the craft side of life and weren’t left wanting on the day. While intended as a day to gather and celebrate the homebrewing community as well as our biggest support base; family and friends, it wouldn’t be a homebrewers festival without a little friendly competition. The 300+ people who attended were given an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice beer, while BJCP judges were let loose amongst the taps earlier in the day for the BJCP Judging Competition. Millside Craft Distilling Company and BrewCraft not only presented beers but also had displays of brewing equipment for those looking to build their home set-ups and on top of that they had also sponsored competition prizes. AFTER MUCH ANTICIPATION THE WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED: People’s Choice Jojo Seima (1982 Brewing Company) Sedi Lager. BJCP 1st Place Curtis Murray (Over the Barrel Brewing) Wee Heavy. BJCP 2nd Place Robin Marsden (Marsden’s Umqombothi Brewery) Coconut Vanilla Oak Stout. BJCP 3rd Place Grenfell, Corbett, Van Der Schyff & Wilson (Optimist Brewing) Fish & Chips. It may have been a Winter Festival but it was a day that will be remembered for the warmth of camaraderie, passion for the craft and brilliant brews felt by all. DISTILLING COMPANY IN MODDERFONTEIN. BRANDON GOSCH GIVES US THE RUNDOWN. BEER FEST WAS HELD ON 1 JULY AT THE DYNAMITE THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WORTEAST WINTER WINTERFEST IN MODDERFONTEIN BRANDON GOSCH Some of the beers on offer Beer chats, as is always the case at a homebrew festival Some happy festival goers! ontapmag.co.za | Spring 2023 | 39