The beer journal
New beers, taproom changes and awards sit alongside reported stories about South African beer culture. Original reporting remains clearly attributed and linked.
Industry perspectives
Reported features, useful context and voices documenting South African beer.
Industry perspective
Lucy Corne reports from Capital Craft Beer Festival, where 12,000 visitors, 45 breweries and four music stages filled Pretoria’s National Botanical Garden.
Written by Lucy Corne · 31 July 2026
17 recent announcements
Taproom release
The Pretoria East brewery has launched a fresh American red ale at its taproom.
Issued by Hazeldean Brewing Company · 17 July 2026
Seasonal release
A fresh Extra Special Bitter will launch at Shackleton’s Christmas in July taproom evening.
Issued by Shackleton Brewing Company · 17 July 2026
Brewery announcement
Afro Caribbean Brewing Company is aiming to release fresh beers at Banana Jam Cafe every second Thursday, with dates confirmed as each drop is ready.
Issued by Afro Caribbean Brewing Company · 15 July 2026
New release
OC Brewery’s pale 6% hazy IPA is double dry hopped for tropical fruit, citrus and pineapple.
Issued by Optimum Craft Brewery · 3 July 2026
Seasonal release
Doctrine has brought its 2.5% fig-leaf milk stout back as a seasonal beer after its 2023 festival debut.
Issued by Doctrine Brewing · 3 July 2026
New release
The Randburg brewery’s new 5.6% ESB layers caramel, biscuit and toffee with traditional English hops.
Issued by Optimum Craft Brewery · 3 July 2026
Limited release
Jack Black's seasonal oatmeal stout is back for winter with roasted malt, oatmeal and a limited national stockist run.
Issued by Jack Black's Brewing Company · 3 July 2026
Project update
The Cape Town nomad project has put its five-beer launch range online with nationwide shipping.
Issued by Dark Arts Beer Project · 26 June 2026
Brewery update
Harper Brewing’s rebuilt brewery site formalises its social-enterprise model and five-beer Johannesburg core range.
Issued by Harper Brewing Company · 25 June 2026
From the brewery
Brewhogs has published a detailed look at the fermentation, water chemistry, malt design and Saaz hop choices behind its Premium Pilsner.
Issued by Brewhogs Brewmaster · 23 June 2026
Limited release
Clarens Brewery’s 6% double-dry-hopped hazy IPA arrived on tap and in takeaway cans for a limited run.
Issued by Clarens Brewery · 19 June 2026
Barrel release
The annual 13% solera stout blends vintages from bourbon, whiskey and rum barrels in a limited 375ml release.
Issued by Soul Barrel Brewing Company · 12 June 2026
Collaboration release
The Noordhoek brewery and The Biggest Little Beer Shop have teamed up on a juicy hazy double IPA.
Issued by Charlie’s Garage Craft Brewery · 8 June 2026
Community
Jack Black's latest Pint for a Purpose initiative supports Protect the West Coast and its environmental and community work.
Issued by Jack Black's Brewing Company · 5 June 2026
Brewery release
The Kyalami brewery has brought back its sessionable porter with layered malt, South African noble hops and a 440ml unpasteurised format.
Issued by Brewhogs Brewmaster · 3 June 2026
Awards
The brewery team reflects on three silver medals, one bronze and the process discipline behind its 2026 results.
Issued by Jack Black's Brewing Company · 26 May 2026
New release
The 4.5% Mango Sorghum Sour brings ripe tropical fruit, earthy African grain and crisp acidity together.
Issued by Optimum Craft Brewery · 21 May 2026