FOR THE LOVE OF BEER!

Last month I was given the opportunity to experience the 'Greatest Tour Ever' – Fair warning, if you don’t enjoy beer you may as well skip to the next blog now!

Our day started at South African Breweries (SAB) in Newlands. The Newlands Brewery is the oldest commercial brewery in South Africa, producing award-winning brands like Castle and Carling Black Label – which are staples at any South African braai! We spent some time there learning more about the history of beer in the country which, interestingly, actually predates the wine industry. Staying in the suburbs, our next stop was at the Jack Black Brewery in the heart of Diep River. Jack Black is well-known to locals for their Food Truck Friday. It was fascinating to have a sneak peek at the processes and equipment used, and it was even better to taste a variety of the beers produced, including limited edition and seasonal brews.

Time for lunch - we made our way down to the Woodstock Brewery (just outside Cape Town CBD). After tucking into a homemade biltong platter and gourmet burger, we got to taste all the delicious beers. I was particularly impressed with the unique names they came up with for their ales, such as: Happy Pills, Hazy Daze and Rhythm Stick! Afterwards, we visited the Devils Peak Brewing Company. The views of Table Mountain from the Taproom are amazing! It really was a great backdrop for a great tasting experience.

The short drive from Cape Town to the Winelands was a welcomed pause from the strain of lifting all those tasting glasses. The Cape Brewing Company (CBC) is part of the famous Spice Route in Paarl. The ambiance out there was so enjoyable – great for groups, families and FIT travellers. CBC offers something for every taste from Amber Weiss to IPA, Pilsner and Pale Ales. Our last drink… I mean stop, was at The Stellenbosch Brewing Company. The taproom and surrounding green garden areas made for the perfect setting to end off an amazing tour.

What a wonderful day we had, good food, great beer and the nonstop laughing - The Greatest Tour Ever certainly lived up to its name!