OnTap Magazine

SAGGY STONE AND WILD CLOVER MERGE O ver the past year we have seen increasing numbers of closures and a few buyouts – and now a South African craft beer merger. Jackie Robinson of Saggy Stone in Robertson confirmed to On Tap that Saggy Stone and Wild Clover have joined forces. “We were approached by Ampie of Wild Clover brewery to consider a merger, “said Jackie. “They are able to offer us extra brewing capacity on a larger system – a Spadoni system, which we are already familiar with.” Wild Clover’s 2400-litre system will be moved to Saggy Stone’s premises outside Robertson and used to brew core-range beers, while speciality, small batch brews will take place on Saggy Stone’s 1200-litre system. Wild Clover founder Ampie Kruger will continue to brew, but all distribution will be managed by Saggy Stone. And although the brewhouse is moving, the Wild Clover taproom will continue at its location on the R304 north of Stellenbosch, albeit on a different part of the farm. Long- term craft beer drinkers might remember where Wild Clover’s brewery began, and this smaller space will once again become the tasting room for the brand, as well as Saggy Stone’s brews. The merger makes perfect sense for both parties. Saggy Stone can increase their capacity and gain a dedicated outlet in the Winelands, while Wild Clover gains a successful distribution channel – andmore importantly, a revised sense of fun. “There was a time when it was just production, production, production,” says Ampie. “When things get corporate you definitely lose the fun. It became all about the sales and now it’s starting to become fun again.” Wild Clover’s core range will remain, along with the various contract brands Ampie brews, but he has plenty of plans for seasonal and one-off beers. The new taproom is scheduled to open on Wild Clover farm in June. BREW Theo de Beer, founder of Hops Hollow and Anvil Ale House, has retired after nearly 20 years in the craft beer industry and another few decades of homebrewing. Introduced to the hobby by Moritz Kallmeyer, founder of Draymans Brewery, Theo opened Hops Hollow in 2000 with his wife Sarie. The couple sold in 2008 but when plans to move to New Zealand fell through, they opened Anvil Ale House in Dullstroom. Uncle Theo, as he is lovingly known in the industry, has always been known for his meticulous approach to brewing, his excellent beers and to me at least, his direct manner of getting things done. I always knew I was in trouble when he started a sentence with “look lassie…”. Theo’s beers won numerous awards both locally and internationally and I for one am very sad to see him step away from the kettles. Anvil is now under new management, although Theo’s right-hand man, Christo, is staying on at the brewery. Theo and Sarie will be enjoying their retirement in the Western Cape, but I have a feeling there might be a small homebrew rig in Theo’s future. Cheers Theo, thanks for all the excellent beers over the years. - LC Industry veteran Dirk van Tonder passed away in March after a long battle with cancer. Dirk was the founder of the Irish Ale House in Broederstroom as well as the annual Solstice Festival, one of South Africa’s longest running beer festivals. Hosted annually in June since 2007, the quirky fest showcases local beers alongside homebrews and always features plenty of live music and games. Brendan Watcham of Copperlake Breweries had known Dirk for many years. “He was an unsung hero and pioneer in the craft beer industry and a loving father,” said Brendan. “I will sorely miss him and am always indebted to him for all the help, knowledge and friendship he so selflessly and kindly gave me in the early years.” Dirk’s daughter Jackie plans to continue running the Ale House and hosting the annual festival. GAUTENG BEER COMMUNITY BIDS FAREWELL TO SOLSTICE FEST FOUNDER “DE BEERMAN” RETIRES 12 | Winter 2019 | ontapmag.co.za