by GarethCape Town is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, and its beer culture is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, exploring the diverse world of beer tasting in this coastal city promises a delightful adventure. With a rich history dating back centuries, Cape Town’s beer landscape has been shaped by both indigenous traditions and European influences. This guide will touch on the history of beer in South Africa, the art of beer tasting, and the perfect spot to do a beer tasting in Cape Town.
Origin of Beer in South Africa
Jan van Riebeeck, commander of the Cape from 1652 to 1662, noted in his diary on 4 October 1658 that the first beer was brewed at the Cape on that date. Beer was, however, not a new thing to South Africa when the settlers came over from Europe. It had been brewed in the country for hundreds of years using sorghum or maize because the brewing and consumption of beer has always played a significant role in tribal life in Southern Africa.
South African beer has been shaped by two major influences from the Western world. European settlers who colonised the country brought their brewing expertise and knowledge along with them. Dutch immigrants from the 1650s onward and British immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries each contributed uniquely to the development of alcohol production in the region.
Over the centuries, the art of beer making from countries such as Belgium and Germany has, of course, also left its mark on the industry (and, of course, on craft beer in South Africa). Today, there exists a plethora of different beers expertly brewed by a myriad of brewing companies in the country (and breweries in Cape Town such as the Newlands brewery).
How to Taste Beer
Beer tasting is a fun and educational experience that allows you to fully appreciate the flavours and complexities of different beers. Here are some tips on how to taste beer like a pro and make beer tasting in Cape Town a fantastic experience:
Preparing Your Palate for Beer Tasting in Cape Town
It is important to start with a clean palate. Before you start your beer tasting, make sure you haven’t eaten anything spicy or strong-flavoured that could overpower the taste of the beer. A neutral palate ensures that you can taste the beer’s true flavours.
The Importance of Neutrality
Eating a bland cracker or a piece of bread can help reset your taste buds between samples. This practice is crucial for avoiding flavour carryover, which can significantly affect your perception of each beer’s unique profile.
Visual Examination During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
Look at the beer in the glass by holding your glass up to the light and observing the colour and clarity of the beer. This can give you an idea of the type of beer you’re about to taste. The appearance can hint at the malt profile and potential flavour notes.
Assessing Appearance During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
The colour of the beer can range from pale straw to deep brown and sometimes even black. Clarity may also vary, with some beers being crystal clear and others intentionally hazy.
Aroma Analysis During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
Smell the beer by swirling it in your glass to release the aromas and then taking a few short sniffs. This will give you an idea of the beer’s aroma and can help you identify the different flavours. The nose is just as important as the palate in beer tasting.
Identifying Aromatics During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
As you smell the beer, look for notes of fruit, spice, floral, or earthy elements. These aromas can be indicative of the ingredients used, such as specific hops or malts, and can greatly enhance your overall tasting experience.
The First Sip
Take a small sip of the beer and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. This will allow you to taste the different flavours and get a sense of the beer’s body and texture. Savouring the beer while beer tasting in Cape Town is key to understanding its complexity.
Exploring Flavour Profiles During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
As the beer coats your tongue, try to discern the balance between sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and umami. Each beer will have a unique combination of these taste elements, contributing to its overall character and drinkability.
Reflecting on the Flavours During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
Note the flavours. After swallowing the beer, pay attention to the different flavours and how they develop on your palate. You may taste notes of fruit, spices, or even chocolate, depending on the type of beer. This reflection helps build your flavour memory.
Flavour Evolution
Some beers will have flavours that evolve or reveal themselves in stages. The initial taste might be quite different from the lingering notes after swallowing. Paying attention to this evolution can greatly enhance your appreciation of the beer.
Considering the Finish
Consider the finish. The finish is the aftertaste that lingers in your mouth after you’ve swallowed the beer. Some beers may have a bitter finish, while others may have a more refreshing or sweet finish, and the finish can be just as important as the initial taste.
After taste Appreciation
A well-crafted beer’s finish should be satisfying and invite another sip. Whether it’s a lingering hop bitterness, a malty sweetness, or a dry crispness, the finish can tell you a lot about the brewer’s intentions and skill.
Cleansing Your Palate During Beer Tasting in Cape Town
Cleanse your palate. Between tastings, take a sip of water and eat a plain cracker or piece of bread to cleanse your palate and prepare for the next beer. This step is essential for a true taste comparison between different beers while beer tasting in Cape Town.
Choose Foresters Arms for Beer Tasting in Cape Town
At Forries we have an incredible twenty-two beers available on tap, and they are made up of both craft and non-craft beer (such as those from SAB Newlands) from South Africa and Namibia. This includes Windhoek, the Newlands Spring range, Guinness, Stella Artois, our famous Castle tank beer, the Devil’s Peak range, Heineken, CBC beer and Loxtonia Cider and many more.
We offer two kinds of beer tasting in Cape Town at our restaurant:
Blind Beer Tasting
The blind beer tasting is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves and their friends and family to see who can accurately guess which beer they are tasting. Each beer is numbered on the tray, and they are all chosen from the delicious twenty-two beers that we have on tap.
Cost: R75.00 for a tray of 5 beer tasters of 100ml
Non-blind Beer Tasting
In our non-blind beer tasting in Cape Town, we choose five of our 22 beers available on tap, and our expert staff will explain how they were brewed, the filtration, and the purity of the beers.
Cost: R75.00 for a tray of 5 beer tasters of 100ml
We are certified as the number 1 draught outlet in South Africa as well as the number 1 draught outlet for Guinness in South Africa, due to the incredible range of beers that we carry, our high hygiene standards as well as training that all our bar staff go through.
Beer Tasting Near Me: Visit Forries
If you have been looking for the perfect place to do a beer tasting to explore craft beer in Cape Town then you can stop searching the internet for “best craft beer pubs near me”, “craft beer near me” or “beer near me”. Just make your way straight to Foresters Arms and revel in having a wide range of beers right at your fingertips.
Making a booking is as easy as messaging us on WhatsApp at 071 269 0898, or clicking on this link. Stay up-to-date with the latest on our beer tasting in Cape Town and our beer specials by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
