SA on Tap 2016

In what is becoming my favourite beer festival to attend, SA on Tap is back in Durbs at the end of the month and personally I cannot wait! Nothing beats a day out with friends or family, basking in the lovely Durban Winter (although it could warm up of late), enjoying some of the best craft beer that the country offers, listening to the sounds of great local talent and eating some gourmet grub. If last years event is anything to go by then you not going to want to miss this years as it features even more variety, more bands and more food!

It is South Africa's biggest Craft Brew festival and it's all going down at Peoples Park in Durban on the 30th of July 2016. Tickets are on sale from their website and people attending are in for a treat. Over a 180 brews, ciders, craft spirits and wines will be available, so if beer aint your thing, there's always alternatives. When booking online you will get a choice of glass, there are three to choose from, the Trumpet, the Bavarian and the Prime. All unique and collectors items. 

All craft beverages are price regulated and are R25.00 for 400ml. Some of the brewers that you can find there are Copperlake, Jack Black, Nottingham Road, Basset, Dragon, Robsons, That Brewing Co, Devils Peak, Standeaven, Devil's Peak. Some of the wine producers are, Anthonij Rupert, The Ground and Brampton. What's drinking without some quality food? you can look forward to some of the best gourmet food stalls at SA on Tap this year, with Sumting Fresh, Vetkoek Cafe, Maddison Bakery, Wicked Waffles, Roti & Chai and many others at the festival this year, 

This is the best that South African brewers have to offer, so whether you are a home brewer keen to learn from experience brewers or just appreciate truly South African brews, this is the place you need to be. There will be plenty of seating and cover all weather, live Super Rugby on screens throughout the festival area and dedicated child minding areas within the festival. Some of the live entertainment includes, Bad Peter, Jaryd Smith, Majozi and Gangs of Ballet. 

Tickets as said before are available online for R125 and you get the option to choose your glass, tickets depending on availability will be sold at the door for R150. Gates open at 10am and the festival ends at 6pm. Tickets include entry to the festival, limited edition unique festival glass, access to the live music, the brew appreciation course tickets are sold seperately. 

Those important bits again:

Date: 30 July 2016

Time: 10:00 till 18:00

Venue: Peoples Park, Durban

Price: R125 for booking online, R150 at the gate
Website: www.saontap.co.za
Twitter: @SAonTAP
Facebook: SAonTAP

Bucket Scene: Brew Haus

Last week a few mates and myself went to check out the newest offering in the Durban North area, Brew Haus. It's a collaboration between the rad folk downstairs at Republik and Craft Federation, which transformed this famed corner into something special again. Every time I visit a place, people ask me what can I compare it to? Most of the times you can pick up similarities to other establishments but with Brew Haus, it's something completely different to the Durban Night Life and something I feel that was missing. 

The place specializes in Craft products, ranging from various craft beers to craft spirits, with something to suit anyone's fancy, be it whisky, gin and even tequila! Having often indulged on craft beers, I decided to give the craft spirits a go. As you would assume, the spirits would be a bit pricey being made and distilled by smaller manufacturers of the product , also I would recommend you speak to your waiter about the item you wish to try before ordering and they chose something more suited to your pallet. 

If you're feeling a bit peckish, they do have a tapas menu to choose from, which has a few of boards containing stuff such as pickles, jams, spices, fresh bread, bread sticks, cold meats and cheeses. If you're not big into those kinda stuff, you can always snack on the popcorn that they keep refilling as you munch away. 

The setting is great, located just above Republik, with views of the ocean and greater Durban North area from the balcony. High tables and stool surround the bar from the outside in, with low lighting and neon lights. The music choice of old school rock and roll which is much welcomed over the over used trap and deep house genre. 

Overall the place is really great, something different from the ordinary and if the crowds keep flocking like how they've been during the first month, it's sure to be another hot spot on the lists of ever growing Durban favourites. 

Address: 8A Swapo Road, First Floor corner of Broadway and Kensington Rd (above Republik)

Contact No: 074 294 5746

Facebook: BrewHausZA

Instagram: BrewHausZA
Website: www.brewhaus.co.za

SA On Tap, Craft Beer Festival 2015 - Durban

With over a 120 of South Africa's finest craft brews, ciders, whiskeys and wines on offer at the 11th instalment of SA on Tap, this years event is sure to be one not to miss! Taking place on the 1st of August along Durban's famed Golden Mile, visitors can look forward to a wide range of all their favourites as well as tantalise their taste buds and palettes to new flavours and experiences. This is one of 3 events that will be hosted around the country and no doubt with Durban's perfect winter weather, it is bound to be a hit and is already proving so with over 85% of the tickets being sold already!

Craft beer has been on the steady rise in recent months in Durban as more and more people are welcoming and noticing the efforts of the microbrewers. SA on Tap offers drinkers the unique experience to sample new variants of the craft and possibly make one find their niche. Apart from the drinks, there will be plenty entertainment lined up for the day, so while you're sipping on your favourite brew, you can enjoy the sounds of some of SA's top bands, with the likes of Gangs of Ballet, Rubber Duc, Justin Serrao and Catlike Thieves.

What is drink without food? They practically go hand in hand, but fear not, your stomach cravings will be taken cared off as the organises have carefully selected a number of gourmet food stalls to pair up the flavours with the variety of brews on offer. You can ask brewers at the various stalls on pairing advice, or be daring and find perfect pairs on your own.

Festival goers will be please to note that included in your tickets is a glass to help you pick up on the over 150 delectable flavours of craft beer on offer. When booking your ticket online, you are able to choose from one of 3 glasses available. Tickets are available from www.saontap.co.za and are limited, online booking is essential for this sell out event, avoid disappointment and be sure to book early. See you there...