OnTap Magazine

South Africa has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its craft brewing scene. What started as a niche market has now blossomed into a mature and vibrant industry, reflecting not just a change in consumer preferences but also a deep- rooted cultural shift towards appreciation for quality, variety, and innovation in beer. This maturation of the craft brewing market is a milestone in South Africa's beer industry, as it shows an increased appetite for local flavours, craftsmanship, and community engagement. A celebration of all things craft, the Fools & Fans Beer Festival this year drew aficionados from all over for a weekend of beer tasting, excellent food, and good company. Now in its seventh year, the festival in the charming town of Greyton showcased an impressive array of artisanal brews, highlighting the innovation within the local industry and the contribution of homebrewers. This year's event featured many of South Africa’s best craft breweries, each offering unique and experimental flavours that captivated the attendees. The festival was not only a chance to taste these exceptional brews but also an opportunity for brewers to share stories behind their creations, further enriching the experience for those present. On the homebrewing front, well done to the Helderberg Homebrew Club for taking the club prize this year by brewing the best Czech lager. Lee Carpenter won the individual brewer category, and Brandon Carter took this year’s prize as Best Rookie. Emile Fouché won the People’s Choice award. Over 140 homebrewers entered the competition, showing that the passion for beer runs deep in South Africa. The competition was judged by an expert panel of judges, made up out of brewing professionals, certified BJCP Judges and industry stalwarts, from all over South Africa. Truly a feather in the cap of these amateur brewers. Next year’s interclub brewing competition will be in search of the best, "Best Bitter", an iconic British Beer Style. The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) is fully aware of the value beer festivals have for the beer economy. While already supporting the events in a number of ways, we are in the process of updating our website, social media and newsletters to be somewhat more event-focused, and encourage our members to notify us of any events they wish to publicise. Craft beer festivals such as Fools & Fans are continuing to establish themselves all over the country, with the likes of the Umhlanga Craft Beer Festival (KwaZulu-Natal), Clarens Beer Festival (Free State) and the Capital Craft Beer Festival (Gauteng), to name a few. The fact that craft brewers and festivals are increasingly embraced by the public shows how important this section of the beer industry has become to local economies. Craft brewers have become vital employers and job creators. With just over 200 craft breweries, there is hardly a region in South Africa without its very own local brewer. Whether you find yourself at Zwakala Brewery in the forests of Magoebaskloof, Limpopo, or at the Kimberley Diamond Brewing Company celebrating the mining heritage of the Northern Cape, or in the laidback Garden Route seaside town that calls Sedgefield Craft Brewery its home, you will be able to enjoy a glass of locally brewed craft beer. NOT FOOLISH FOR FANS TO CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF CRAFT BEER ontapmag.co.za | Winter 2024 | 7