Lowveld Brew | Local craft beer round-up
Although weather in the Lowveld is more suited to drinking beer than making it, we do have a few breweries that are putting out some awesome pints.
Making beer is not the most difficult thing in the world and locals have been doing it for hundreds of years. But making good quality craft beer in an area that might not always have the ideal climate can become tricky at best.
Despite the obvious hurdles a few people in Mpumalanga have decided that there is no reason not to work around it. Here is a roundup of what is available on the local craft beer scene:
Hops Hollow
On the Long Tom Pass between Sabie and Lydenburg are many unique point of interest. There is the highest point on the road which is 2150m above sea level. There is also the Long Tom canon and some awesome viewpoints. But 16km before Lydneburg there is Hops Hollow, the highest brewery in Africa.
When sitting at the bar counter, a window behind the bar lets you see the heart of it all, the brewery. Although the method for making the beer is very traditional the beer is truly delightful and well worth the drive. If you had one too many you can also stay over in the very beautiful guest rooms and enjoy a good breakfast before heading off.
Currently there are four beers available namely Diggers Draught, Old Bull Ale, Mac’s Porter and Blacksmith’s Brew. You can have a tasting of each to pick your favourite. Beers are available in full- and half pint sizes and bottled beer can be bought to take home.
Find out more
Visit the Hops Hollow website or call them on 013 235 8910
Sabie Brewing Company
The newest brewery on the Lowveld scene, Sabie Brewing Company poured its first pint in November 2014 after years of planning. Situated at 45 Main Road, Sabie, it also sports a wonderful restaurant to compliment the beers that are precision brewed by Shaun McCartney in the state-of-the-art brewing facility.
A large window in the restaurant area also gives you a glimpse as to what’s going on behind the scenes and if you want to know more, Shaun is more than willing to share his wealth of knowledge with those keen to learn. The Brewery has some of the most advanced equipment available and combined with Shaun’s passion, delivers some very quaffable beer.
The beer selection currently includes Glynn’s Gold London Ale, Long Tom Lager (Dunkel), Shangaan Stout, Dravidian Draught (Indian Pale Ale) and Wheelbarrow Weiss. But Shaun is eager to try everything and will bring in other beers from time to time.
Beer is available in half pint and full pint and bottled beer can be bought to take home. Be sure to try the deep fried goat’s cheese halloumi and feta starter. It’s amazing!
Find out more
Stay up to date with what’s going on by liking the Sabie Brewing Company Facebook page or call 013 764 1005
Anvil Ale Brewery
Although this unique little brewery is strictly speaking not situated in the Lowveld, it’s close enough to qualify. Situated on the outskirts of Dullstroom it is close enough for a day trip and far enough to feel like you were away for a bit.
Anvil Ale Brewery always has free tastings to help you decide which one of the beers you’d like to try first. The list includes blonde ale, pale ale, stout, white beer and the seasonal Biere d’Saison which is available in the warmer summer months.
Anvil also has a coffee shop and German style pub menu if you are feeling a bit peckish. There is also an art gallery selling art prints and paintings. In the end the beer is what is most memorable about the place and Anvil truly boasts some very unique flavours.
Find out more
Call Theo de Beer on 073 168 6603 or visit them on Main Road, Dullstroom, on the Lydenburg side of town. Anvil Ale is also available from Windmill Wine Shop on the road between Sabie and Hazyview.