OnTap Magazine

BREW REVIEWS REVIEWERS: Lucy Corne, Brian Leopold & Tracey Cleary Part of Tiny Keg’s third annual limited edition mixed pack, this beer represents a few firsts for Clockwork’s Megan Gemmell – it was her first appearance in Tiny Keg’s collab Christmas box and her first ever witbier. Like all of the beers in the mixed case, the wit was brewed at Lakeside Brewery in Cape Town and while chatting to Megan as I cracked the can, I realised I was sampling the beer before she had. She was nervous about how it had turned out, but she needn’t have been. While there’s too much banana on the nose, the generous coriander addition really balances it out. There’s also a great whiff of citrus zest and lemongrass, although the beer doesn’t actually contain the latter – it’s spiced with toasted coriander seed and lime zest (from limes grabbed from the airport Woolies en route from KZN for brew day). It’s a bright and balanced beer with plenty going on, but that’s still super refreshing. Highly carbonated, which lifts the slightly too-full body perfectly, it’s going to be perfect with a boerie roll or just on its own, sneaked onto the beach this summer. – LC Clockwork Brewhouse X Tiny Keg WITBIER (4.5%ABV) 4.0 When Agar’s release a new beer, you know it's going to be special. Their core range is quite strong already so adding a lager to the mix was as much of a surprise as it was a treat. A grainy sweet malt aroma with slight white pepper notes lined my nose and made for a really pleasant start. Light Wicks bubble gum, again that white pepper and just a touch of pear all made their presence known on the palate. A crisp beer with a light sweetness and a dry finish, making this a very moreish and sessionable beer. A great take on the style and an even better addition to their core range. I wonder what will be coming out of Agar’s next? – BL Agar’s Brewing Company JOURNEYMAN PREMIUM LAGER (4.5% ABV) 3.8 This recent launch is the first beer from Dane Raath, who represents a range of fine wines, champagne and craft spirits. The recipe was created with Saggy Stone Brewing Co., who produce the beer at their Robertson brewery. The Cape Collective lager is full bodied and finishes with good malt character and a clean bitterness. The beer is light in appearance and is well balanced, with a full-flavoured finish. Overall, a decent new lager on the market. Dane plans on launching more beer styles in the near future, with the next being a pale ale. I look forward to tasting his next release soon. – TC Cape Collective LAGER (4%ABV) 3.3 It’s the third time around for this cross-country collab. The first edition was brewed at Mad Giant, the second time, Jack Black’s brew crew took control. This time, both breweries have produced a batch, of course following the same recipe. I sampled Jack Black’s version and I managed to get through two or three cans without taking any notes, which is always a good sign – it means I was just sipping and enjoying. It’s no great secret that hazy pale ales are not my favourite but I will have to admit that it’s a really good example of the style. It has a whopping aroma of gooseberries, green grapes and guava and despite the fact it is fairly full bodied, the carbonation level makes sure it’s still a thirst-quenching beer. That fresh fruit salad character follows through from the nose and happily, there is enough bitterness here to make me want to keep going back for more. Jack and the Giant is limited edition – grab a can of Jack Black’s from select retailers in Cape Town and Jo’burg, or from the Cape Town taproom. And now I just need to move to the northern suburbs of Johannesburg so I can get my hands on a bottle of Mad Giant’s version, available via their Extra Fresh ‘milkman’ delivery system and at certain bottle stores. – LC Mad Giant x Jack Black’s JACK AND THE GIANT PALE ALE (5.2%ABV) 3.9 ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2022 | 59