Brewery Name: Clockwork Brewhouse
WEBSITE: VISIT
Location: KwaZulu-Natal
What is your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am the brewer and owner at Clockwork. I got into brewing because I was tired of boring, one-dimensional beer (this was way back in 2009), so I decided to take up the challenge and teach myself how to brew. Before I knew it, my hobby had spun out of control and I suddenly owned a commercial brewery! And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Has Covid-19 and the lockdown had an impact on your brewery? If so, what impact and how have you responded?
Yes, we have taken a big hit financially, but we have regrouped and started looking at alternative sales models that might work better in the current situation. We are very fortunate in that we do predominately bottle sales (we’re not heavily reliant on a tap room), with our own distribution, so that has kept us afloat.
What’s new at your brewery?
I think our most exciting news is that we have a new home. We have moved production to 1000 Hills Brewery and Chef School! Our brand and beers will remain the same, in fact, you can expect more experimental beers coming through!
What’s the best part of being a part of the South African craft brewing community?
We’re like one big happy family. We all have each others backs and we want to see each other succeed, it’s awesome. Beer festivals are the best, mostly because we get to see each other.
Name your favourite food and beer pairing.
A creamy mussel bisque prepared by the awesome Chef Marcel Roberts, paired with a NEIPA brewed by Paul Ten Hoorn Boer from THAT Brewing Co
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
After years and years of studying and working for “the man”, I gave it all up (including the pay check), to start my own business, my brewery.
What’s your favourite beer from another brewery?
Mr Brownstone from Woodstock Brewery
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Brew on my home-brew system, and talk about beer 🙂
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
My travels across the UK and Germany was where I discovered the huge variety of beers out there. I was a cider drinker before that!! 🙂