Brewery Name: The Kennel Brewery
WEBSITE: VISIT
Location: Western Cape
What is your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
Owner/Brewer/Tea Lady/Driver and every now and then, my own best client for the month.
Took home economics at school and wanted to go to hotel school and move into that direction, but things didn’t go as planned. One day I picked up a Cooper’s Beer Kit… the rest is history. I can now say I live my passion for food and taste through beer. In a way I’m glad things didn’t work out the first time around.
Has Covid-19 and the lockdown had an impact on your brewery? If so, what impact and how have you responded?
Definitely a few more grey hairs and a few sleepless nights, but it also gave a person some perspective to sit back and plan the way forward.
We were lucky that so many people supported us with donations, bought pre ordered beers and raffle tickets. Very thankful to everyone who contributed.
What’s new at your brewery?
We always have a few things up our sleeve, but for the near future we are gonna focus on our once off and collaboration beers. We are also bringing back 4 beers from our core range.
From October this year you’ll find a Kennel station in an up and coming spot called SKUIM, with other likeminded brands. We are pretty excited about this one, but there will be more on our social media soon.
What’s the best part of being a part of the South African craft brewing community?
Just how helpful everyone is. Work hard, play harder!
Name your favourite food and beer pairing.
My wife makes killer nachos.. So a fresh IPA or pale ale always goes lekker with the chilli burn.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
If you asked me a few months ago, I would probably have said something about some accomplishment’s that actually means nothing in real life. So in all honesty, it would be my daughter Anna-Mae.
What’s your favourite beer from another brewery?
There are a few good ones out there, but recently I think Rochelle kicked ass on the latest batch of Space Lama from Afro Caribbean… beautifully brewed!
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
I like some gardening, but mostly it’s just beer.. Beer has become a part of our family lifestyle.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
Does Noordhoek count as a overseas destination?
😛