International Beer Day: Say cheers to a good time in Cape Town!

While most of us consider beer drinking to be a fun or leisure activity, in South Africa, drinking beer is more than just that. Beer drinking has been an integral part of the South African culture for hundreds of years now. In fact, South Africa is the largest beer producer and consumer on the African continent.

Cape Town is known as the beer capital of the country. And mind you, Cape Townians take their beers very seriously. So much so that there is also a full-fledged festival dedicated to this brewed liquor in Cape Town. The Cape Town Festival of Beer is expected to take place this year in November. Cape Town is known for its craft beers which is made using traditional brewing methods. These craft beers contain 100% natural ingredients, no additives, preservatives, thickeners or stabilizers. Above all, they taste delicious!

Are you even a beer enthusiast if you haven’t tasted South African beer yet? Following is a list of some must try beers –

• Bonecrusher Witbier from Darling Brew
• Jungle Paradise IPA from Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.
• Lager from Devil’s Peak Brewing Company
• Lumberjack Amber Ale by Jack Black Brewing Company
• Cochoqua Red Ale from Indie Ale Craft Brewery

Other popular South African beers are Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Carlsberg and Amstel.

This International Beer Day, here is the list of best beer pubs in the Mother City that every zythophile should visit.

With 30 beers on tap and more than 80 bottled, the Caribbean-themed Banana Jam in Kenilworth is a must-visit for beer lovers! Known as the headquarters of the Cape Town Craft Beer Revolution the owner, Greg Casey, is passionate about craft beer. The menu is Caribbean-inspired and includes delights like bacon-wrapped chilli poppers and Jamaican Jerk Chicken. With inside seating and a shaded courtyard, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

Not only does the Beerhouse have more than 99 varieties of bottled beers from 13 different countries and 26 taps poised to fill container you can find, they are also at the forefront of the beer and food pairing in Cape Town. The bar boasts a food menu that matches each dish with a specific style of beer. Along with large flat-screen televisions situated all around the bar, Beerhouse also has a massive projector screen for big matches. Sport enthusiasts can battle it out here!

Devils Peak Taproom, located in the bustling Woodstock area is home to a range of unique and limited-edition barrel beers. Creators of the popular Devil’s Peak larger and the award-winning King’s Blockhouse IPA beer – the taproom is a must-visit spot for beer lovers. The bar offers a fine selection of beer tastings for those who want to experience all the flavors of brew.

Urban Brewing Company is located right next to the entrance of the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, just a short barrel roll from Cape Town. Steeped in traditional brewing methods yet unafraid to bend a rule or two, Urban Brewing Co. represents a blend of old-fashioned and new-drawn techniques. All beers are made using Hout Bay spring water and there are four beers on tap – a Weiss, a Blonde ale, Pilsner and a stout. Visitor tours are available.

The brewery consists of 14 talented brewers each with their own tap at the bar. There are 16 different types of beers, including various IPAs, golden and summer ales. Selections are made in small batches making them limited edition.

So tjop and dop �� (a famous South African slang for a barbequed chop and a beer) and enjoy a refreshing pint of beer in the Rainbow Nation!