OnTap Magazine

T he region around the Magaliesberg has long been a mini hot spot for craft breweries, with names such as Black Horse and Brauhaus am Damm being among the oldest of the microbreweries in the area. e section of the mountain range generally referred to when describing the Magaliesberg region runs west from Hartebeespoort almost as far as Rustenburg, and the surrounds are a popular area for weekend getaways or day trips out of the madness of the city. With the range of activities available, it is easy to plan a mini-getaway which appeals to everyone from the solo traveller to the whole family entourage. THE BEERS Nobleman Brewing Co. The new kid on the proverbial block, Nobleman (noblemanbrewingcompany.co.za) has been brewing since mid-2018. ey produce a core range of four beers: a pale lager, a light ale, a saison and an IPA. e lager is crisp and refreshing, o ering all the best characteristics of pilsner style beers which refresh like nothing else in the Highveld summer heat. e light ale is a perfect gateway beer for the uninitiated, with much of the avour pro le of the lager, accented with some light fruitiness from hop and yeast character. e IPA o ers some classic bright citrusy hops, and although highly drinkable, at 6% ABV is not to be underestimated. I was very impressed with the quality of all the beers, but my personal favourite was the saison, featuring all the yeast derived flavours expected from a classic saison, with a dry and refreshing finish. The brewery is not on the same site as the taproom so can’t be visited, but there are a range of other activities including an obstacle course, hiking and paintball. The restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, serving a range of typical pub fare and grills at good value for money. My tip: order a burger. Brauhaus Afrika Previously called Brauhaus am Damm, the now rebranded brewery (brauhaus.co.za ) has long been known for the impeccable quality of its classic German beers. Brewer Imke Pape is a master when it comes to balance and restraint – the qualities which have earned German beers worldwide respect. Their core range of beers features three classic German lager styles and a Weizen, all of which are some of the best examples in the country in my opinion. The flagship Farmers Draught is a helles lager. Fairly light at 4.2% ABV, it is malt- forward yet not sweet, with a crisp and dry finish. The Märzen introduces complex toasty malt flavours and more bitterness, though still balanced towards the malt. It is equally engaging and quaffable. The Dunkel ramps up the malt with heaps of toasty, nutty and chocolate malt flavours balanced with light bitterness, yet losing none of the drinkability expected in a lager style. Finally, the Weizen, a hefeweiss with a great balance of banana, bubble gum, vanilla and clove underpinned by bready malt flavour and a slightly acidic finish. The restaurant serves high quality classic German fare including schnitzel and soft pretzels, as well as breakfast and other light meals and grills. There is an indoor seating area where you can look at the shiny copper-clad Austrian brewing system, or an outside area where you can take in views of the mountains and the Olifantsnek dam. I’m not sure which is more beautiful. Surely one of the most beautiful places to drink a beer in South Africa ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2019 | 41