OnTap Magazine

54 | Winter 2025 | ontapmag.co.za FOOLS AND FANS 8 4 5 APRIL 2025 Photos by Michelle Havenga F  ools & Fans 8 took place on the 4th and 5th of April this year. The two-day festival plays host to the largest homebrew competition in South Africa, as well as the first and only National Homebrew InterclubChampionship. As is tradition, ondayone thehomebrewers from clubs across South Africa, as well as the winners of the Intervarsitybrew competition, exhibit their beers to the public. That public is encouraged to use the Beerchamp app to vote for their favourite homebrew on tap. On day two, the grounds transform into a craft beer festival, with breweries from all over South Africa taking part. Live music, organised games and a prize-giving fill the day with excitement. Sponsors included: BASA, BeerEx Africa, Beer Guevara, Bevplus, Brewfather, Cactus Craft, Charles Faram Hops, Electric Industries, Fermentis and XL Neelsie Travel. COMPETITION RESULTS Homebrew Clubs: (Best Bitter) 1. Helderberg Homebrew Club 2. SouthYeasters Homebrew Club 3. Durban Homebrew Club Individual Homebrewer: 1. Innus Ferreira - Dunkels Bock (North Yeasters) 2. Anelda Fouché - Berliner Weiss with raspberry and aniseed (Durban Homebrew Club) 3. Nicolas Lambrechts - Barrel-aged Wee Heavy (SouthYeasters Homebrew Club) Best Rookie: (Less than two years of experience) Norman Shultz - Oatmeal Stout (North Yeasters) Highest Ranked Female Brewer: Olga de Smit – Doppelbock People’s Choice: (Public voting on Beerchamp) 1. Matthew de Swardt – Graf 2. Ralph Otto - Dark Lager 3. SouthYeasters Club Brew – Double IPA BASA Best Stand: North Yeasters (homebrewers) Aegir Project (commercial)