OnTap Magazine

26 | Summer 2025 | ontapmag.co.za creative ways to refine mouthfeel, develop aroma and flavour and layer complexity while maintaining a subdued bitterness that appeals to first time drinkers as well as die-hard IPA fans. Flagship examples like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co’s Hazy Little Thing was launched in 2018 and is now the best-selling juicy/hazy IPA in the USA and widely available around the world. LAGER THAN LIFE For many years beer commentators have opined that ‘this is the year of the lager.’ Judging by this year’s Festival, perhaps that sentiment might finally ring true. Brewers dazzled with an eclectic array of lager brewing excellence. Every range of lager style conceivable was on offer including dry-hopped, wet-hopped, fresh- hopped, smoked, lager with lime, salt or fruits, Japanese rice lager, Mexican, Italian and Czech style lagers and the seasonally requisite Oktoberfest beers. Dunkels, Schwarzbiers and Bocks were also out in force. PACKAGING FORMATS Talking of lager, Sierra Nevada has recently taken the bold move of packaging their German style pilsner, PILS, in 8.4oz/250ml cans claiming that it better reflects European culture and ensures the beer stays “fresh, crisp and cold from the first to the last sip.” On the other end of the scale, the 19.2oz/568ml/one pint can format or ‘stovepipe’ is also proving popular, offering cash-conscious consumers more ‘bang for their buck.’ BEYOND BEER For the first time in its 43-year history, GABF introduced an all-new Distilling Experience, welcoming full-strength spirits to the festival floor. This designated spirits- tasting area showcased 20 distilleries, offering smooth whiskeys, refreshing vodka variations, bright botanical gins and much more. According to the Brewers Association’s annual production survey, one in four craft breweries produces a beverage other than beer as they seek to broaden appeal and remain relevant to shifting consumer tastes. Non-beer drinkers attending GABF could delight in the range of cider, kombucha, hard tea and ready-to-drink cocktails such as AleSmith’s Speedway Espresso Martini. LOW AND NO ALCOHOL A small but fast-growing segment of the beer industry, low and no alcohol options were well-represented throughout the festival and reflected the mindful moderation trend. It was exciting to sample medal winners from the GABF competition and marvel at their high quality and nuanced flavour. THE COMPETITION This year’s GABF competition expanded on the launch of last year’s cider categories and featured a unique, one-time-only new Vera Hop category. Some 8,315 beers and ciders from 1,555 breweries & cideries were evaluated by 250 beer experts over the course of