15 Nov 2013 SA’s top craft brewers winners announced in inaugural competition
Top honours went to The Dog and Fig Brewery for its Stewige Stout – American Stout brew. Second place was awarded to Brauhaus Am Damm for its Brauhaus Weizen – Weizen/Weissbier brew, and Shongweni Brewery took third place for its Robson’d West Coast Ale – California Common brew.
A total of 41 entries were entered and judged. Special awards were presented to Draymans Brewery for the most Noteworthy Beer and SMACK! Republic for the Best Beer from a New Brewery.
The championship, the first of its kind in the country, called on all professional craft brewers to submit entries with only beers brewed within the borders of South Africa being eligible for entry.
Participating beers also needed to have been available in stores or been showcased at a recognised craft beer festival, and had to adhere to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines and competition rules.
Judges from across South Africa were selected for the judging panel, and put their taste buds to the test to determine which South African craft brewer had the best beer in the land. Twenty entries were received from some of South Africa’s most experienced brewers as well as some new up-start brewers. A total of 41 beers were entered and judged.
Event organiser Sean Watts said: “The judging process carefully evaluated beers by what could be perceived through the senses. A total score out of 50 was awarded for aroma, appearance, flavour, mouth feel and overall impression of the beer.
“Beers that scored between 38-44 were considered excellent beers and only require a small amount of fine-turning. Beers that score higher than 45 exemplify an excellent beer and usually stick out in one’s memory.”
The World of Beer awarded cash prizes of R30 000 to the winner, R10 000 to the second winner and R5 000 to the third winner. Draymans Brewery and SMACK! Republic Two breweries were each awarded a cash prize of R2 000 for their special recognition awards. SAB Alrode Brewery sponsored barley for the winners.
Leon van der Westhuizen from The Brew Master played an integral role in securing the substantial sponsored products being awarded to the winners. “Sponsored product prizes include Wyermann Specaility Malts, Charles Faram Hops and Fermentis Dried Yeast. First prize is valued at more than R9 000; second prize more than R6 000 and third prize more than R3 000,” said van der Westhuizen.
“I expect the championship will grow rapidly as customers become more ‘craft beer aware’ and more sponsors become involved. The structure and rules will mature over time, making it more appealing to professional craft breweries wanting to enter in future,” said Watts.
The winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the World of Beer on November 8, 2013.
Winners
1. The Dog and Fig Brewery, Free State
The Dog and Fig Brewery was established in 2008 by a group of friends that managed to take their passion to business. Located on the Klein Afrika farm outside Parys in the Free State, the brewery is located within the Vredefort Dome, an ancient meteorite crash zone.
It is from filtered mineral water that bubbles forth from the site that The Dog and Fig Brewery hand crafts their selection of beers.
Amongst their beers are Alternative Ale, Aardige Ale, Stewige Stout, Wafferse Weiss and Baldadige Buchu. Of course, all the beers also have less-colourful English names.
2. Brauhaus am Damm, North West
This high-tech micro-brewery/restaurant is set in the mountains of the Magaliesberg, over-looking the Olifantsnek Dam. “Brauhaus am Damm creates an unforgettable experience by providing excellent service delivery around speciality food, hospitality ambience and special crafted beers,” according to its website. Brewery tours and beer tastings are on offer. Its motto: “Accomplishment through passion”.
3. Shongweni Brewery, Kwa-Zulu Natal
The Stewart family bought the brewery, established in 2006, after the original owners decided to return to the UK. During 2012, retaining the ex-owner’s Robson’s brand, the brewery re-opened. The Stewarts believe that well-made, natural beer offers unlimited opportunities for matching flavours with foods, spending time with friends and family and the good things in life.
Some other entrants
Cape Brewing Company, Western Cape
Cape Brewing Company is a modern craft beer brewery dedicated to making the finest beer possible. Brews made from only the finest ingredients and natural water from their very own spring. Using reliable state-of-the-art ‘Green’ technology.
Chameleon Brewhouse, North West
After the owners of Chameleon Brewhouse sampled Weiss Beer for the first time in a small German town called Weickersheim, they searched for Weiss Brewers on their return to South Africa. On a 40-litre home brew system they started brewing beer for friends and family and the Weiss Beer, one of the first beers brewed on their system, was well receiceved. This home brew venture resulted in the Chameleon Brewhouse opening its doors in 2012.
Drayman’s Brewery, Gauteng
Drayman’s specialises in brewing a range of outstanding craft beers. Since the brewery’s inception, its beers have been enjoying increasing popularity amongst beer lovers as an alternative to costly imported styles.
It’s approach: Drayman’s believes that a truly great beer has an indefinable quality, reflecting the brewer’s art and his passion. Such a craft brewed beer might not always be entirely predictable nor liked by the regular beer drinker, but it makes it exactly suited to real beer lovers who wants their beer to be a constant source of both mystery and pleasure.
Gallows Hill Brewing Co, Cape Town
Gallows Hill Brewing Co was born out of the love for beer shared by two brothers. From the humble beginnings in a kitchen to finally procuring a building and setting up a brewery (which took nearly two years of planning and fighting red tape), the duo are finally brewing and selling beer in Woodstock, Cape Town.
Nottingham Road Brewing Company, KZN
Nottingham Road Brewing Company is one of South Africa’s oldest craft breweries and distribues to local outlets and also in Johannesburg. It uses pure spring water drawn from an artesian well on the grounds, and finest quality hops and malted barley to create beers of outstanding character with a smooth, well-rounded taste.
SMACK! Republic Brewing Co, Gauteng
SMACK! Republic Brewing Co is the only micro-brewery in Joburg’s inner city. It’s an artisan brewery born from the desire of three beer enthusiasts to create curious flavours and smash boundaries. The paradox between old city allure and new age inspiration is the heartbeat of what SMACK! represents: ‘Be different. Drink bold. Forge the future.’
www.smackrepublic.com
The Standeaven Brewery, KZN
The Standeaven Brewery is located just outside of Durban on the Standeaven family farm. With views overlooking the valley, their brewer is inspired daily to produce the perfect craft beer. What started as a fascination when the owner was traveling abroad tasting different beers from around the globe, it soon became an intense study of perfection. Back home, he started experimenting with craft brewing.