What is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is beer that is brewed by independently owned small breweries usually started by individuals that are passionate about beer and the craft of brewing. The emphasis is on quality not quantity with a lot of innovation and enthusiasm.
The makers of craft beer are also called microbrewers, the microbrewery movement began in both the United States and United Kingdom in the 1970’s. In Europe traditional artisanal brewing has for centuries and subsequently spread to other countries. With the growth of this artisanal movement some breweries expanded their production and distribution and the more encompassing concept of craft brewing emerged.
Another concept that evolved is that of a brewpub, that is a pub that brews its own beer for sale on the premises.
In South Africa beer production has been dominated by South African Breweries (SAB), now a Breweries (SAB), a subsidiary of multinational giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD). However there is a growing movement of craft brewers trying to get the nation’s drinkers to broaden their tastes.
In an interview with CNN, Nick Smith, chairman of Craft Brewers Association South Africa (CBASA) said: – “A blossoming craft beer sector enables startups to grow and gives the little guy a chance to help disrupt an industry that for decades has been controlled by one company. We compete against the Goliaths by focusing on making amazing, innovative beer.”
Craft beer brewing is a blossoming industry in South Africa.
According to Smith, craft beer, brewed by small or independent breweries,started to become popular in 1983 with the opening of Mitchell’s Brewery in the picturesque town of Knysna in the Western Cape. Smith is also the founder of Soul Barrel Brewing Co and he is very excited about the prospects of the industry and its growth in the last five years.
Information from: – https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/21/business/craft-breweries-rise-south-africa-intl/index.html
Jack Black Brewing Company is another craft beer brewere that are making a splash Started in 2007, with passion, perseverance, and little else – at a time when the words “craft beer” were foreign to most – founders Ross and Meg McCulloch were the pioneers that set out to change the beer landscape in South Africa.
Jack Black’s has since grown to become one of Africa’s most sought after and well-loved craft beers and definitely worth a try when in Cape Town – More here: – https://www.jackblackbeer.com/story/
If you are a visitor to South Africa or just a local visiting the Western Cape, you have a craft beer haven on your doorstep.
The Thirsty Scarecrow – Africa’s largest beer house
Where else can you sample from 50 beers on tap!
The Thirsty Scarecrow is run by Kelly Zetler and her husband Ivan. Kelly was born and bred a Zetler, a family who have been settled at Mooiberge Farm since 1909. Overlooking the strawberry fields, you will be enticed to enjoy the unique experience of picking your own strawberries. Make sure you take a selfie with the most photographed scarecrows in the world!
Thirsty Scarecrow offers a wide range of craft beers on tap. Enjoy local craft and great food while you experience the best view in the Winelands.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly and hearing from her about the history of the farm and the amazing story of their business.
Surely a great place to visit and to taste some of the best craft beers in Africa!
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