A year ago we ventured down to the first ever Jozi Festival of Beer where the beers are cold, the food hot and the entertainment is sizzling. What is incredible is how many Craft breweries are around the greater Johannesburg region and more importantly they know have one of the greatest stages on which to display their fine brands.
The festival draws its roots in Cape Town, where it was established as the largest festival of beer in the Southern Hemisphere. And the Jozi show now promises to be bigger and better than its inaugural hosting.
Not only will there be more than 160 beers on show, the Festival will also have activities such as food and beer pairings (Something that I was fortunate to try out last year at the media launch, this is a must), a selection of delicious food stalls, great music and of course a big TV to watch the Springboks hurt the Wallabies in the best way possible.
But the biggest reason to attend the Festival of Beer is the opportunity to taste a range of beers you may not have tried before. To help you in this process we have picked out four brewers whose beers you have to try during the Festival of Beer.
Brewhogs: Brewed by female brewmaster Apiwe Nxusani Brewhogs is based in Kyalami and produces 32 000 litres of natural and preservative free beer per month including a Red Lager and Pilsener.
Swagga: One of the new brewers on the block, Johannesburg-based brewers Swagga beer produce premium quality hand crafted beers such as their Swagga Porter, Red, Blonde and IPA.
Stellenbrau: Having just won the 2014 Global Craft Beer Award for best lager, Stellenbrau have shot into the global limelight for superb beer. The brewery, based in Stellenbosch, produces beers such as their Craven Craft Lager, Alumni Ale and Governors Red Lager.
Soweto Gold: Having opened in 2014, the brewery is situated in the tourist-popular area of Orlando West, and is referred to as “the first regional township-branded craft beer targeting the aspiring black middle class”. Beers include the Soweto Gold Lager, Weiss Gold and the Lady Gold.
So no matter what whets your whistle, make sure you get down to the Joburg Festival of Beer this weekend at Pirates Sports Club in Greenside. For more information check out www.joburgfestivalofbeer.co.za or follow on Twitter @FestofBeer. You can also book tickets on Webtickets.