Our local craft industry needs you

From large to small and everyone in between, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing brewery closures. If you’re a beer fan, or just a fan of anything local and lekker, then this is devastating news. Our craft industry is young and it’s been a hard slog of many years to get it to where it was pre-lockdown. It’s an industry built by passionate brewers, many of whom have put their livelihoods on the line to make it a success. To see it all come crashing down due to factors beyond their control is heartbreaking.

Luckily, all is not lost. We South Africans are a crafty lot and breweries across the country are getting creative to survive. They’re just waiting for you to lend a hand. Here are a couple of ways that you can help out. 

Get a selection online:

E-commerce is back and, while we wait for 1 June, take a wander through the selections available and have a box of beer delivered to your door as soon as restrictions are eased. 

1. Best Craft Beer

Best Craft Beer is Jozi-based, but they ship nationwide. They have a great selection of beers and if you’re Cape Town-based and looking to get your hands on a few Jozi beers, then this is your best bet. 

2. KZN Craft Revolution

As the name suggests, this online store focuses on brews from the KZN region. Order now and get a free KZN Brew Hop magazine.  

3. Yuppiechef

Yuppiechef needs no introduction. Visit their online store for a great selection from the League of Beers.

Support a brewery directly:

We’ve all got a few favourite breweries, so why not support them now when they need it most? 

1. The Kennel Brewery

The Kennel has been running an awesome auction series on Instagram giving away beer and music-related prizes. Brewer Paul Freysen has also turned into an overnight busking sensation with hits like Covid-19 (aka Jolene). You can support by ordering a Pavement Special mixed case or donating to their BackaBuddy fund.

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2. Soup-A-Heroes

Woodstock, Drifter and Stellenbosch breweries have joined forces to feed the hungry with their brewhouse-turned-soup-kitchen initiative. You can donate directly to the breweries to support this amazing scheme and while you’re there, you can order beers online for delivery as soon as it’s legal.

– Order Drifter beers

– Donate to Woodstock’s soup kitchen

– Order Stellies beers at wholesale prices

3. Darling Brew

Darling Brew is always innovating and for their latest trick, they’ve set up a drive-through beer pick-up. All you have to do is order at the taproom and send them a “Hello” on WhatsApp when you’re ready to collect outside. This service will be available when we hit lockdown Level 3.

These are just a few of the current brewery incentives that are running around the country. For a comprehensive list updated daily, visit Lucy Corne’s blog. Let’s keep the craft revolution alive! 

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