OnTap Magazine

IN BRIEF BREW NEWS After a long wait, the beer garden at Lions River Craft Brewery in the KZN Midlands is now open. As well as beer tastings, the brewery will offer brewery tours (R80 including tasters) and country platters showcasing cheese, meat and pickles from the Midlands region. The garden is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm. Lions River Opens KZN Beer Garden Featherstone’s beers have been a staple in Grahamstown pubs for the past two years, but enthusiasts can now head out to the brewery to sample the ales. Featherstone’s rustic taproom opened in May, offering beer tastings, a sunny deck, a kids’ play areas and a rambling garden to explore. Look out for pop up eateries and bring ‘n’ braai days. The taproom is just off the N2, or you can hike there from the town. FEATHERSTONE OPENS TAPROOM IN GRAHAMSTOWN Entries for this year’s South African National Beer Trophy open on June 1st. The competition, now in its fourth year, is open to all licenced, commercial breweries operating in South Africa. The entry fee is R575 per beer, inclusive of VAT. Entries close on July 2nd, with winners announced at the end of August. ENTRIES OPEN FORTHE 2018 NATIONAL BEERTROPHY Collaboration is a key part of the craft beer culture, but collabs don’t always have to be between breweries. Cape Town-based Kennel Brewery has launched the Dog Tag Series, a range of limited edition brews created in collaboration with butchers, coffee roasters and a certain well-known beer store… Keep an eye on Kennel’s social media for updates on the latest release. KENNEL BREWERY UNVEILS DOG TAG SERIES Inspired by international competitions on other continents, the African Beer Cup will debut in 2019. The competition will be run in conjunction with the annual Craft Brewers Powwow and will invite brewers large and small from across the African continent to submit their beers. Qualified judges and industry experts will judge the beers in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, with winners announced at a gala dinner at the Powwow. Keep an eye on africanbeercup.com for updates. Much-loved Cullinan brewpub Cockpit Brewhouse is on the market. After eight years and numerous awards, the charming pub closed its doors earlier this year. Interested buyers should contact Andre de Beer. Meanwhile in the Cape, Stickman Brewery and Windermere Cider have both announced their closure. Both are seeking buyers. COCKPIT, STICKMAN, WINDERMERE UP FOR SALE After more than 30 years in the Garden Route town, it has been reported that Mitchell’s has ceased brewing operations in Knysna. On Tap contributors in the region report that brewing operations have stopped, with production moving to a contract brewing facility in Cape Town. Mitchell’s were unavailable for comment. MITCHELL’S CEASES OPERATIONS IN KNYSNA: REPORT AFRICAN BEER CUP ANNOUNCED F O R 2 0 1 9 14 | Winter 2018 | ontapmag.co.za