OnTap Magazine

64 | Winter 2025 | ontapmag.co.za “For people who claim they're not into beer I would recommend a witbier. It's got some citrus notes and spices as well, coriander most likely. It's so fresh and so beautiful to drink. Really light on the ABV as well. Really refreshing easy drink.” CHARLENE LOUW JOHANNESBURG “A South African lager like Black Label. Nothing fancy, just the kind that was easy to enjoy and always around during my varsity days. It was smooth, crisp, and familiar, and very importantly, cheap for a varsity student. It was my gateway, and my ultimate go-to. For anyone who says they don’t like beer, I usually suggest trying a lemon-flavoured Radler. It’s easy on the palate, light, and has a refreshing citrus flavour that makes it feel more like a sparkling drink than a traditional beer.” “First beer I tried and really liked was Magic Hat #9 because it had a unique apricot flavor and was the start of realizing I’m an ale fan. My beer recommendations for non-beer people: ginger beer, fruited or sour beers.” "My beer journey kicked off while working in the UK. Cider had become too sweet for me, so I decided to try the popular ale at the local pub: John Smiths Extra Smooth English Bitter, served on nitro. It was bready, toffee- like, and very easy to drink, being only 3.6% and velvety smooth from the nitro pour. For those new to the world of beer, I recommend starting with an Irish Red Ale (extra points if it's on nitro – That Brewing Co's That Red is brilliant). Alternatively, for something suited to our beautifully warm climate, a fruited kettle sour is perfect. With its low bitterness and refreshing fruit character, it's like summer in a glass." ANUSE MUKUWANE STELLENBOSCH “I think an Irish Red Ale is a good start because it doesn’t smell like a typical beer and it’s sweet!” WINNIE MOTSWAGAE CAPE TOWN MEGAN GEMMELL DURBAN JESSI FLYNN KIGALI What was the first beer you tried and really liked – or, what you might call your 'gateway' beer? Alternatively, is there a beer you recommend to folks who claim not to like beer (!!) as a potential to convert them? FORTHIS ISSUE, WEEXPLORED 'GATEWAYBEERS' MASH OUT