OnTap Magazine

FOOLS AND FANS 8 LAUNCHES AN AFRICAN BEER CATEGORY FOR 2025 NATIONAL HOMEBREW COMPETITION BELGIAN BEER COMPANY TASTING AND BEER PAIRING AT WATERFRONT As part of trying to develop flavour combinations uniquely South African, Fools and Fans has added a category of Best African Ingredient Beer. This is in addition to the national competition to highlight beers that use local African grains and an overwhelming majority of local grains for their beers. There is no style limit. The rules: • Beer must be made with at least 30% African grain (Sorghum, Millet, Maize - some or all.) • Limited to SA Hop varietals. • SAB Base malt. • Specialty grains and yeast from anywhere. • Any BJCP Style allowed. www.foolsandfans.co.za A “new” beer and food pairing has been introduced into the Cape Town foodie scene by the Belgian Beer Company, Kerston Foods and Wild Peacock Food Merchants. This is to highlight the often-forgotten perfect pairing of Belgian Beer with thoughtful food ingredients and dishes. The event took place at Den anker in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on the 6th of June and contained some excellent pairings, such as seared tuna with Vedett, Crayfish roasted tomato and Lobster bisque velouté with La Chouffe or Vedett Extra White, and Duck Liver Brulé with La Chouffe. https://www.belgianbeercompany.co.za/ https://kerstonfoods.com/ https://wildpeacock.co.za/ THE ANNUALWORT HOG BREWERS WINTERFEST TOOK PLACE AT DYNAMITE DISTILLING CO IN MODDERFONTEIN ON SATURDAY 6TH OF JULY There were 30 beers to sample from 18 brewers and 8 of these were served on traditional hand pull Beer Engines. Tickets were sold out on the day and much fun was had by all. The public choice prize went to Ian and Peter Fowler and Andy Scott of Kiff Brewing Co for their Sweet Stout. The BJCP competition winner was Curtis Murray’s Wee Heavy, second place to Michelle Corbett for her American Amber Ale, and third place to Antony Wilson for his Dark Mild. The overall beer of the day was Nic Maddox’s NEIPA (New English IPA). Prizes were sponsored by Brewcraft and Gilroy’s Brewery donated a keg of their “Serious”, for the day. https://www.worthogbrewers.co.za/ KRAFT ALCHEMY LAUNCHES IN PORT ALFRED The famous “Little Brewery on the River” on the banks of the Kowie River in Port Alfred has recently been purchased by two brothers Andre and Adrian Wood and as of the 9th July 2024 will be rebranded to Kraft Alchemy Brewhouse. “As the new owners, we have retained the staff as they are pivotal to the business going forward.” The brewery currently produces four beers which include Alfred’s Own Lager, Kowie Gold Pilsner, Coin Ale and Squires Porter. Adrian Wood says, “It is the same great team, same great beer and same great location on the banks of the Kowie River; just with a new name.” http://www.kraft-alchemy.co.za/ 14 | Spring 2024 | ontapmag.co.za