OnTap Magazine

ON TAP LAUNCHES A PODCAST! In partnership with Byron Lombard, aka the “Beer Bruh,” the On Tap team has launched a podcast called “Talk On Tap.” As the name suggests, the purpose is to create some dialogue around the magazine through interviews with contributors, editors, and experts of all beer- stripes. Our first three episodes have gone live, the first with On Tap editor Joya Taft-Dick, the second with Luke McCarthy of Bature Brewery in Nigeria, and the most recent with On Tap editor Craig Claassen. You can listen to and/or watch these episodes on Youtube and Spotify. In late April, the beloved Johannesburg-based Mad Giant Brewing Company announced that they were closing their doors after over 10 years in the business. The response to the announcement from beer-lovers across the country was as swift as it was sad, albeit supportive. The Mad Giant presence will be sorely missed, but their impact on the beer industry was immense. MAD GIANT CLOSES FOOLS AND FANS 8 Please see full coverage of the festival – including competition results – on page 54. BEVERAGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE The conference took place on 11th April at Wakanda Village, Sandton, attracting over 100 entrepreneurs along with a network of strategic partners and stakeholders. This event is one of Brewsters Academy's initiatives, designed to create a catalytic platform that brings together emerging beverage entrepreneurs, industry leaders, regulators, and other key stakeholders with a shared mission: "To develop Africa's beverage industry and empower young entrants to build innovative, compliant, sustainable, and value-driven enterprises." We aim to foster a collaborative atmosphere where new ideas can flourish, and groundbreaking initiatives can arise. Expert-led discussions provided delegates with insights, tools, and networks to support their business growth. The conference aimed to highlight local talent, promote best practices, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations, driving sustainable industry transformation. 12 | Winter 2025 | ontapmag.co.za