Brewery Name: Nguni Brewing Co.
WEBSITE: VISIT
Location: KwaZulu-Natal
What is your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
Head Brewer and Manager. I was taken on as an apprentice by Nguni at its inception. They took me under their wing and with time, guided me to become the brewer I am today. Along with our contracts, the seasonal beers and collaboration brews have really given me the opportunity to expand and to put to work my knowledge as a brewer.
Has Covid-19 and the lockdown had an impact on your brewery? If so, what impact and how have you responded?
The majority of our business has been in kegs for pubs and restaurants. With lockdown we have had to go the bottling route and dropped our prices to get the volume of sales up.
We should see sales picking up more over the coming months, but for now our turnover has dipped quite a bit. Hoping for things to come right soon.
What’s new at your brewery?
The latest brew is our collaboration WItbier. Brewed to be light and packed full of flavour. The Durban Home Brewers association collaborated with us on the recipe and took part in the brew day to bring the public this fantastically crafted beer. Spicy, fruity and very refreshing.
What’s the best part of being a part of the South African craft brewing community?
The people and the opportunities. Being such a new market we are beginning to gather a following of such passionate beer enthusiasts. The growth of people who love beer as much as we do opens so many doors to our craft.
Name your favourite food and beer pairing.
The good old classic burger and beer is my go to. I always like to try new beers so the burger is the best compliment for me.
What’s your favourite beer from another brewery?
I wouldn’t be able to tell you. This is too tricky to pick one.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
At the moment I have such a craving for new things, so I’ve never settled on a singular favourite.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
My latest trip to New Zealand had me trying a host of fantastic beers. So many local hop APA’s and Pilsners. They really know how to make a hop forward beer in that part of the world… Looking forward to many more!
