OnTap Magazine

NEWS NEW BREWS SOUTH AFRICAN HOMEBREW BOOK LAUNCHED A local beer enthusiast has published a book on homebrewing – the first of its kind to be published in South Africa. Home Bru’ing by Frank van Wensveen covers the usual topics but from a South African perspective. “Other publications are typicallywrittenbyAmericanauthors forAmerican home brewers, which means that these books tend to focus on American equipment, consumables and ingredients and how to use them,” says Frank. “The average South African home brewer has a different (and much smaller) range of equipment and ingredients available, and will typically have to adjust his/her brewing methods accordingly. We felt that this called for a book specifically written for South Africa.” Home Bru'ing" is available on brewforafrica.co.za for R299. The annual gala awards dinner of theAfrica sectionof the Institute of Brewers and Distillers (IBD) was held on 8 November. Theevening sees the awarding of certificates to the recent graduates of IBD examinations, including the Dave Fraser Award to the best Diploma in Brewing candidate in Africa. Furthermore, brewing industry legend John Cluett was recognised for his 60- year membership to the IBD. A new fellow – ex-SABMiller brewer Kate Jones – was also welcomed into IBD Africa, becoming the first woman fellow in the section. Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, chair of the Africa section, gave the section update, noting the improved inclusivity of the IBD Africa – a hugely encouraging sign for the future of brewing on the continent. The guest speaker for the evening was Eben Uys – founder and co-owner of Mad Giant brewery. He talked about his introduction to the world of brewing via the intervarsity brewing competition and the journey of establishing his brewery in Johannesburg. He went on to talk about the challenges facing brewers - both small and large - including energy and water usage, emissions and plastic packaging waste. Encouragingly, more brewers from craft breweries are beginning to sit the IBD exams – something which will surely contribute to the strengthening and long term sustainability of the industry. For more information, visit ibdafrica.co.za . Rob Cass Kennel Early Bird (3.5% ABV) Kennel’s Paul Freysen has worked with award-winning roastery Arbor on this low- alcohol coffee lager, which features a cold brew concentrate of their flagship blend. Willowton Tea Factory Grapefruit Pale Ale (7% ABV) A collab between Clockwork Brewhouse and Doctrine Brewing, this grapefruit- infused pale ale will be available at carefully chosen KZN liquor stores. Richmond Hill x Old Potter’s Ink in my Drink (5% ABV) Brewed at Richmond Hill in Port Elizabeth, look out for this rich schwarzbier at the 2020 Clarens Craft Beer Festival. Old Potter’s x Frontier Pers Pote (9% ABV) Featuring shiraz grapes trodden by the brewers, Pers Pote is a special release beer/ wine hybrid. The Flanders red ale/shiraz blend was brewed in Greyton by Old Potter’s Trevor Gerntholtz, Frontier’s Brendan Hart and homebrewer and On Tap contributor Rob Cass. Look out for it at Old Potter’s Inn as well as select Cape Town liquor stores. IBD AFRICA GALA DINNER HELD IN JOHANNESBURG IBD graduates pose with IBD staff, new fellow Kate Jones and 60-year member John Cluett ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2019 | 13