OnTap Magazine

BREW REVIEWS REVIEWERS: Megan Gemmell, Dion van Huyssteen, Brian Leopold The Afro Caribbean Brewing Company is a well-established micro-brewery situated in Cape Town, and known for their exciting beer offerings and excellent restaurant, Banana Jam Cafe. One of their most recent editions is the Imperial Squirrel Junk and it is quite the beer. Adding peanut butter to this beer makes it particularly exciting as there are not many like it brewed in South Africa. Thankfully this addition wasn't lost in this beverage as peanut butter came out heavily on the aroma, and initially on the flavour. Chocolate malt and coffee assisted on the aroma, but the flavour really made this drink shine. The initial prominent flavour was of peanut butter, but dark coffee and light caramel notes quickly enveloped the palate and was enhanced by the creamy viscosity that this beverage brings on. I thoroughly enjoyed the rich and creaminess of the beer, and found it perfect for the cold winter we just had in South Africa. A great beer that will warm any soul. A recent addition to That Brewing Company's 'Alpha Hopper' range, Sabro is a delight. It greets the senses with a tantalizing aromatic burst of tangerine, complemented by hints of cedar and mint. The hops take centre stage, overshadowing any distinct malt character. True to its scent, the flavour dazzles with pronounced notes of tangerine, cedar, and mint. There's just enough malt to counterbalance the robust bitter finale — a finish that's assertive without being overwhelming. This beer brilliantly showcases the unique characteristics of Sabro hops, and we found it thoroughly enjoyable. Pouring a beautiful clear amber, this ale immediately captivates with an intricate bouquet of biscuity, butterscotch, toffee, and warm toasty notes. The first sip delivers on its aromatic promise, beginning with a subtle sweetness, echoing its butterscotch and toffee notes, before transitioning to a wonderfully dry finish. This balance tempts you gently towards another sip. A truly delightful ale experience. A hip and happening place to visit in Cape Town is most certainly Shackelton's new taproom. If you don't believe me, then ask any City of Cape Town based brewer, as a number of them can be found there after putting in a shift at their respective breweries. Mainly known for their Kölsch along with a strong core range, Shackelton has now brought out their Expansion IPA. From the first pour, this beer releases an explosion of citrus aromas that carries through into the flavour. Slightly sweet grapefruit with some hints of tangerine lines the olfactory senses. An aftertaste of ripe oranges lingers on the palate which turns this into an easy drinking beer that can be drunk on any occasion and will suit most palates. AFRO CARIBBEAN BREWING COMPANY THAT BREWING CO CLARENS BREWERY SHACKELTON BREWERY IMPERIAL SQUIRREL JUNK 10%ABV THAT ALPHA HOPPER SABRO SINGLE HOP IPA 5.8%ABV CLARENS RED 4.5% ABV EXPANSION IPA 5.2%ABV 4.2 4.0 3.8 3.8 60 | Spring 2023 | ontapmag.co.za