OnTap Magazine

Every year a large group of student brewers gather in Bloemfontein for the Intervarsitybrew. This year will be the 17th time the competition will be held. It is open to all South African universities and aims to promote craft brewing and beer culture in South Africa under the umbrella of responsible drinking. Student teams have to brew six different beer styles (Lager, IPA, Sour Beer, AfricanWild Ale, Summer Beer, Aged/Matured Beer) and also design an original label.  The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) sponsors the Summer Beer category, defined as follows: Low alcohol, <3% ABV; easy drinking; not watered down; light without sacrificing complexity; creative expression valued. Last year's Summer Beer winners were 1000 Hills Chef School, with their very uniquely named Summer Catharina Sour Beer titled "Ed Sheeran's Foot". This gives an idea of the creativity and energy that makes Intervarsitybrew such an enjoyable event. Over two days the students are exposed to industry role- players, tastings, lectures and networking events. While there is also true beer camaraderie on display, it does after all remain a bit of a rivalry – which ups the excitement even more. Last year's overall winner was the team from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Recently, at the Fools & Fans Festival in Greyton, the team was present to, as is tradition in the competition, re-brew their winning beer and offer it to festivalgoers. They were a hit with revellers. The re-brewing element of the competition is one that is important, while sometimes overlooked. To make sure you offer the same beer again, by brewing another batch of it, is the very cornerstone of wider commercialisation in beer. Through this exercise students are further welcomed into the business-side of brewing. Co-hosted by BASA and the Central University of Technology (CUT) through the Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) and the CUT Hotel School, Intervarsitybrew showcases young talent that will make sure the beer industry is relevant and impassioned for many, many years to come. The hotly contested championship will take place from 24 - 26 October. Universities who haven't entered yet, are encouraged to visit the intervarsitybrew.co.za to view the challenge to participate and the entry forms. GET READY FOR INTERVARSITYBREW 2024 ontapmag.co.za | Winter 2024 | 9