Thousands flock to beer festival

GREENSIDE – Thousands of people flocked to Pirates Sports Club over a warm spring weekend for the inaugural Johannesburg Festival of Beer.

The festival was a celebration of one of humanity’s most ancient alcoholic beverages, and festival visitors had the opportunity to not only quaff more than 150 different beers, but learn about the art of brewing and participate in a giant beer-pong tournament.

Organiser Martin Tucker said almost six thousand people visited the festival over three days.

“The numbers were good for our first festival, although we were hoping for a higher number,” he said.

The festival brought together local and international brewers, home brewers, and craft and mega brewers. Among those represented at the festival were Brauhaus am Damm, Maboneng Precinct-based Smack Republic, Devils Peak Brewing, and Darling Brew.

Visitors were able to sample all the beers on show for free, and brewing demonstrations, beer tours and food and beer pairings brought together education and entertainment. DJs and bands such as Shortstraw ensured visitors kept their feet tapping well into the night.

Of the 150 beers at the festival, five caught the attention of a panel of judges, who awarded the title of Best Microbrewed Ale to Dog and Fig Brewery’s Stewige Stout, Best Microbrewed Lager to Cape Brewing Company’s pilsner, Best Macrobrewed Ale to Belgian Beer’s Celis White, Best Macrobrewed Lager to Brewers and Union’s unfiltered lager, and Best Overall Beer to Belgian Beer’s Gouden Carolus Classic.

Parkhurst resident Haydon Hector attended the festival with his wife Clarissa and a friend from Cape Town, Carenza Manuel.

“We had a great time, and it was good to see such a mix of people all enjoying themselves,” he said.

Tucker described the success of the festival as “phenomenal.”

“We plan to be back next year, hopefully same time, same place,” he said.

Details: www.joburgfestivalofbeer.co.za