OnTap Magazine

DARLING BREW BREAK FREE GLUTEN FREE LAGER | 4.5% ABV BREW REVIEWS PANELISTS: Megan Gemmell, Brian Leopold, Troye May, Chris Roth, Michelle Seale, Olga de Smidt, Dion Van Huyssteen, and Chantell Van Niekerk. 4.0 I didn't know what to expect with a gluten-free beer, but boy was I surprised! This light refreshing and crisp lager is everything a lager should be. The good balance between the hop bitterness and the malt makes for an easy-drinking beer and it doesn't taste any different to other light lagers on the market. The beer has all the elements of a "normal lager" such as good carbonation, a clean fermentation profile on the nose, low but present hop bitterness and all the right malt notes. It doesn't taste like a 4.5% beer however, which could be a bit dangerous. This is a perfect beer for a hot summer's day and for anybody who is gluten intolerant. The Break Free is now available at your local liquor store. EDITOR’S NOTE: We have established a panel, consisting of eight experienced individuals, who review beers for the magazine. Panel members do not necessarily review a beer for every issue, but all names are listed regardless. Please note: if any brewery would like a beer of theirs to be reviewed, they will need to contact On Tap editors directly (editor@ontapmagazine.com ). AFRO CARIBBEAN BREWING COMPANY PAGAN AMERICAN STOUT | 6.5% ABV 4.2 Afro Caribbean is known for many things, such as their Caribbean-themed restaurant called Banana Jam Cafe, their beer-loving surfer owner Greg Casey, and of course, their fantastic and usually hop-forward beers that never cease to amaze and inspire. The Pagan fits in line with what they do perfectly. Jet black in colour with a red hue and a thick bubbly tanned head really invites you in for a sip. If the look of it wasn't enough, the aroma on this hop-forward Stout really brings out the best in malt and hop character. Roasted dark chocolate malt notes, with resin and grass hop notes line the nostrils, and follow through nicely onto the palate with a dark chocolate bitterness. A dry and lightly burnt finish completes this beer beautifully and brings on all its plaudits. Great drink for any occasion. 58 | Winter 2024 | ontapmag.co.za