We Love Real Beer

Over twenty years ago when I talked my way into bar (with a cocktail shaker & book in hand) one of the most frustrating things was beer. The only brewery around was – yep. SAB. The result was that the 'odd' drinkers were lion lager fans Thankfully that has changed.

First up is Mitchell's (based in Knysna.) granted, I'm not that fond of their beer – the combination of German and English brewing techniques has resulted in a interesting beer. But not that interesting.

Second is Paulaner Bräuhaus, first established in 2001 – really good beer, and they are based on the waterfront, but unlike Mitchell's they are still there. Then there is Birkenhead, which one can miss. Boston Breweries in Cape Town isn't that much better, Their brews include 'the naked Mexican', 'Whale Tale Ale', 'Hazzard Ten Ale', 'Johnny Gold Weiss' and 'Boston Lager'.

Darling beer is one of my more favourite beers the 'Bone Crusher' (a wit beer) and the 'Slow Beer' is worth some serious indulgence. Jack Black has two beers – lager and ale (the ale is brewed by a micro-brewery in Namibia, Camelthorn.) &Union, the cornerstone of the St Stephen's Church redevelopment on Cape Town's Bree Street (near Long) although is a tad on the expensive side is good – if you can find it. Napier Brewery unfortunately not my favourite, but worth trying.

This is but a very small listing - Anvil Ale Brewery, Dullstroom is other example where breweries will start in the oddest of places!

The explosion (I know of two breweries currently being built or are awaiting the license) is large, it, like self-determination, shines a large light here. After all, we all know that SAB started in the Transvaal...

If only the drive for self-determination was in league with the beer. We would have been independent about fifty years ago.