The curtains have drawn on the prestigious South African National Beer Trophy 2023, hosted in collaboration with BASA, the Beer Association of South Africa. This illustrious event stands as the top beer competition dedicated exclusively to South African brews, where beers from across the nation come together for judging, seeking the coveted title of South Africa’s finest beers.
Amidst the scenic backdrop of Cape Town, on the 16th of November 2023, beer enthusiasts and stalwarts of the industry congregated in a symphony of celebration. It was a night where every clink of the beer-filled glasses heralded the excellence and craftsmanship that defines South Africa’s premium beers.
From the silken allure of silver category champions to the radiant glow of gold, the South African National Beer Trophy 2023 recognised a plethora of beers that captured the essence of mastery and innovation.
READ: Gqeberha-based microbrewery wins Best Beer in Africa
Best brews for 2023:
Overall champion for 2023
1000 Hills Brewing Company’s “The Foreign Exchange Student” (“The FES”), a Belgian ale, was awarded as the best beer for 2023.
Best beer in each class
While gold medals adorned the highest scorers, the crowning glory belonged to the beer in each class that not only achieved the gold standard but also encapsulated the quintessence of its category, a trophy befitting the epitome of brewing excellence!
- Best Light Beer: Jack Black Brewing Company’s “Brewers Lager”
- Best Dark Beer: The Franschhoek Beer Company’s “The Stout”
- Best Speciality Beer: 1000 Hills Brewing Company’s “The FES”
- Best Hoppy Beer: Cape Brewing Company’s “CBC Pale Ale”
- Best Red and Amber Beer: Richmond Hill Brewing Company’s “Two Rand Man Irish Red Ale
- Best Low Alcohol Beer: Darling Brew’s “Light Speed” (BASA-sponsored category)
- Best No Alcohol Beer: Devil’s Peak Beer Company’s “Devil’s Peak Hero” (BASA-sponsored category)
The highest accolades, the Gold Medals, adorned the brews that stood tallest in their distinction, a testament to unparalleled quality and finesse. Each sip was a testament to the dedication and artistry embedded within.
- Hazeldean Brewing Co. “Rasputin”
- Afro Caribbean Brewing Company “New Zealand 2”
- SAB “Castle Milk Stout”
- Stellenbrau “Craven Lager”
- 1000 Hills Brewing Company “The FES”
- The Franschhoek Beer Company “The Stout”
- The Franschhoek Beer Company “La Saison”
- Darling Brew “Light Speed”
- Cederberg Brewery “Cederberg Original Lager”
- Cape Brewing Co. “CBC Pale Ale”
- Richmond Hill Brewing Co. “Two Rand Man Irish Red Ale”
- Jack Black Brewing Co. “Brewers Lager”
- Darling Brew “Black Mist”
- Doctrine Brewing “Will-o’-the-Wisp”
Silver medals
The Silver Medals shimmered brightly, honouring beers that exuded excellence within their unique styles. Each glass was a testament to craftsmanship and ingenuity!
- Boet Beer “Boet Lager”
- Cape Brewing Co. “CBC Pilsner”
- Cape Brewing Co. “Trueman Milk Stout”
- Cape Brewing Co. “CBC Lite Lager”
- Cape Brewing Co. “CBC Lager”
- Afro Caribbean Brewing Company “Garths Duvet
- Afro Caribbean Brewing Company “Summer”
- Afro Caribbean Brewing Company “Sherman”
- Afro Caribbean Brewing Company “Groot Slang (version 2)”
- Mad Giant “That Giant – Coffee Stout”
- Darling Brew “Slow Beer”
- Darling Brew “Just Beer”
- Darling Brew “4X4 BraaiPA”
- Darling Brew “God Father”
- Darling Brew “Long Claw”
- Darling Brew “Just Right”
- Clockwork Brewhouse “Schwarzbier”
- Clockwork Brewhouse “Hibiscus-Citrus-Plum Sour”
- Sabie Brewing Co. “Long Tom Lager – Munich Dunkel”
- Sabie Brewing Co. “Shangaan Stout”
- Hoghouse Brewing Co. “Hoglite Light Kölsch”
- SAB “Castle Double Malt”
- SAB “Castle Lager”
- SAB “Hansa Pilsener”
- The Franschhoek Beer Company “Weissbier No. 5”
- The Franschhoek Beer Company “Liberty APA”
- Bomb Squad “Bomb Squad”
- That Brewing Co. “That Black”
- That Brewing Co. “El Juicy”
- That Brewing Co. “That APA”
- St Francis Brewing Company “Beach Blonde Lager”
- Kings Craft Brewing Co. “Monksbrew Dunkel”
- Noon Gun Brewery “Smooth Bore Lager”
- Cederberg Brewery “Cederberg Pale Ale”
- Jack Black Brewing Co. “Skeleton Coast IPA”
- Lake Umuzi Brewing Company “Village Weiss”
- Devil’s Peak Beer Company “Devil’s Peak Hero Non-alcoholic”
- Newlands Spring Brewing Co. “Jacob’s Pale Ale”
- Newlands Spring Brewing Co. “Tribute Lager”
Images taken by Danie Nel at the South African National Beer Trophy 2023 awards evening.