OnTap Magazine

Cheers! Joya Taft-Dick EDITOR From The Editor I did not start out with a clear theme in mind for this issue, but very quickly, one appeared in front of me. I actually think the idea is best captured by something Barb Baker (aka the “Siren of Stout”) said during our interview: “ Wherever you go, you belong.” It is a belief that has propelled her forward in her life and helped land her in an industry she now loves, that of course being the beer industry. I thought about it as I spoke to and heard from South Africans who traveled abroad this year, to the US and Europe, to judge at world- renowned beer festivals, carrying the South African ag. e idea reappeared for me while reading about South African brewers who have taken up leadership positions at breweries across the globe, from Indonesia to Scotland, and have made for themselves a new home in the beer communities there. Underpinning this idea of belonging, even in new environments, is another word that naturally occurred across several of the pieces in this issue: camaraderie. Patricia Pillay, CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa, pens her farewell letter as she steps back from this role after many years of service, writing: “ e beer community is unlike any other. It is always brimming with energy and camaraderie.” It was exactly that energy and camaraderie that so inspired Baker all those years ago, and it is certainly something I saw ample evidence of while visiting Nairobi and scoping out the growing craft beer scene there. Case in point: when asked about the newest craft brewery on the block – that might have been seen as a competitor – CEO of 254 Brewing Co. replied with enthusiasm: “You should check it out. It’s dope.” As an industry, the cultivation of a sense of belonging and camaraderie can often be tied to our storytelling. What lingering perceptions of “beer” serve us and which do not? ese questions arose again in my conversation with Baker, but also are spoken to practically in our Going Pro section on marketing. I hope you nd other treats in store on these pages, including a literal treat in the form of beer and ice cream pairings (just in time for Summer!), as well as a new section – Editor’s Library – intended to share recommendations of books and other media on all- things beer related. I am pleased to say that Andrew omas (publisher) did not have to say “Don’t panic” a single time while compiling this issue, Rachel DuPlessis (designer) continued to patiently turn our words on a page into art, and Craig Claassen (fellow editor), can always be relied on to eld my many questions, comments and out-of- the-blue ideas. With that I wish you all a peaceful end of year and a joyful summer ahead. ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2023 | 1