Gose: Germany’s Salty-Sour Gem
Back in 1993, I worked in Leipzig shortly after German reunification, and while I experienced a lot of fascinating beer history during my time there, I have one regret – I never tried Gose. It’s one of those styles I…
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Köstritzer Schwarzbier: A Dark Brew with a Rich History
During my stay in Leipzig in the 1990s, one beer stood out to me – Köstritzer Schwarzbier. It wasn’t just the taste that caught my attention, but the pride that the locals had for this East German brand. Köstritzer is…
Bavaria Bräu, Royal Connections, and Legendary Brewing Figures
When I joined Bavaria Bräu in 1994, the brewery’s letterhead alone was enough to make a lasting impression. Two names stood out and instantly commanded respect: Guido Georg Sandler and Luitpold Prinz von Bayern. Both these men carried significant weight…
COVID: The Epidemic – The Birth of a New Dream
When the COVID pandemic hit, the impact on the liquor industry was catastrophic. With liquor stores forced to remain closed, my specialty retailers faced massive financial losses. It was a bleak time, and the question of “What do we do…
The Beer Book: From Idea to Reality
As a veteran in the beer industry, I was often approached by aspiring brewers asking if I could help them sell their beers. It was flattering, but by then, I had made a strategic decision to focus on building my…
Something’s Brewing in Cape Town: The Rise of Craft Beer
Rumours of a real German beer garden in Cape Town had made their way all the way to us in KwaZulu-Natal. Naturally, I had to see it for myself. I booked a flight to the Mother City, and the moment…
The Real Beer Wars: Pure Beer vs. Chemical Beer
I guess the next 10 years truly belonged to Namibian Breweries’ Windhoek. As Windhoek Lager gained momentum, it quickly became a household name across South Africa. Its “pure beer” message, backed by the Reinheitsgebot purity law, resonated with consumers. Windhoek…
Amstel and Guinness on Tap: A Game-Changer for Draught Beer
A big milestone for draught beer in South Africa came with the launch of Amstel Lager on tap. This marked a shift in the beer landscape, as Amstel was already a beloved brand, and having it available on tap added…
Building Bavaria Bräu: My First Steps in KwaZulu-Natal
When I first started working with Bavaria Bräu in Durban, I had no idea what an adventure lay ahead. Marcus Pillay, my new “partner”, had just joined us from Mitchell’s Brewery where he had been running their Durban operation. Mitchell’s…
Discovering Beer Culture with NMK Schulz
My journey into the rich culture of beer and international drinks was greatly influenced by BJ Lankwarden and Rod Simmons at NMK Schulz, a company that played a pivotal role in introducing South Africans to some of the most iconic…