This insert was inspired by a column in a national newspaper claming that there are only 16 beers commercially produced in our great land. Off the top of my head I reached 21 and so decided to do a little research to find out how many beers are avalable to the man in the street. They may need a little looking for but the rewards are worth the effort. See how many you recognise and how many you have drunk.
Mitchels Brewery (4 Beers) Knysna Cape Town, and Gauteng. Founded in 1982 in Knysna brewing Foresters Bitter, expanded to Cape Town and Gauteng. Beers are Bosuns Bitter, Foresters Draught, Raven Stout and 90 Shilling Scotch Ale. Distribution: Available in all the major centres in SA.
Farmers Brewery (6 Beers) Hattingspruit Founded in 1992 in Hattingspruit and produce lager beers in accordance with the Reinheids Gebod. Farmers Draught, Farmers light, Octoberfest, Pilsner, Schwartzbier and Bockbier. Seasonal and special beers are also brewed.
Draymans Brewery (9 Beers) Gauteng Founded in 1997 in Pretoria this fledgling brewery is going from strength to strength. Beers: Goblins Bitter, Jolly Monk Porter, Altstadt Weisbier, Draymans Draught, Draymans Gingerbeer and Cool Runnings Bro. Speciality beers: Purple Daze, Firkin Bitter and Millennium Prize Old Ale. Distribution: only available from selected outlets in Pretoria.
Rawdens (4 Beers) Founded in 19?? Near Nottingham road. This brewery and guest house has become a prime attraction of the Midlands Meander. Beers: Whistling Weasel Porter, Toad Stout Distribution: Available from select distributors.
Old Cape Ale Brewery (3 Beers) Founded at the end of 1998 in Ottery just out side Cape Town the brewery has captured market share in the outlying areas. Beers: Cream ale, Nut brown and a porter.
Birkenhead Brewery (1Beers) This hi-Tec brewery was also established towards the end of 1998 in Hermanus. Currently only a lager in Produced which is distributed through NMK Schults.
Bavaria Brau (4 Beers) This a state of the art German brewery built during 1988. Beers: Edel Lager, Bavaria Lite, Kaltenburg and Point 5O. Distribution is through the Gauteng Region.
South African Breweries (9 Beers) Need no introduction as the largest producer of beer in SA and the 4th largest brewer in the world. Beers: Castle Lager, Lion Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lite, Carling Black Label, Hansa Pilsener, Ohlsson's Lager and Dakota Ice. Distribution: National and some brands international
That gives a total of 40 beers that are brewed in South Africa. Not really worth comparing to some cites and towns in the USA, but it is a start. The above list is not totally comprehensive but to my mind is the only list that is currently available. If there are any breweries and beers that have not yet been included in the list please let me know also give us your impression of their drinkability. Any body for a bit of pub crawling?