“My name really is Michael Jackson, but I don’t sing and I don’t drink Pepsi. I drink beer.” This simple yet charming line encapsulates the spirit of a man who, for beer lovers worldwide, was nothing short of a legend.…
Back when I lived in Bremen, my landlord always made sure there was a case of Flensburger Pils waiting for me in the cellar. Flensburger, with its iconic flip-top bottle, is one of those beers that leaves an impression –…
Before Beck’s became part of the global brewing giant AB InBev, it stood tall as a symbol of German brewing heritage and innovation. Founded in 1873 in the port city of Bremen, the brewery quickly made a name for itself…
If you’re into beer adventures that mix tradition with a bit of fun, then Berliner Weisse should be on your radar. This refreshing, sour wheat beer hails from the buzzing city of Berlin and is famous for its sharp, tangy…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
After my time in Germany, I returned to South Africa with a love for beer and brewing culture but no job. It wasn’t long before something caught my eye. When I got back to Durban in late 1993, there was…
After university, I found myself in the same boat as many graduates—no job in sight. After months of searching, I decided to change things up and headed to Germany to work for my uncle in Leipzig. At the time, it…
Growing up on my father’s farm, I developed an early interest in selling things. It started with something simple: selling sweets to the farmworkers. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. To me, it was just a way…
One of my fondest memories growing up was our annual holiday to my uncle’s game farm, right on the edge of the Kruger National Park. There was always something special about those trips—wildlife during the day and, in the evening,…
Over the past three decades, my journey through the world of beer has been one of exploration, passion, and connection. From that very first sip at 13 to becoming an advocate for local brewers, my story has been filled with…