The Western Cape has long been considered one of the wine capitals of the world, producing vines and their by-products to the highest standards.
However, as craft beers continue to gain global popularity and with the people of Cape Town no strangers to sipping and sampling some of the best beverages to be found anywhere, the City has no shortage of outstanding breweries and taprooms sure to satisfy the most discerning tastes.
While there are plenty of options, finding a place to start can be quite daunting.
If you are on the hunt for the best beer around, don’t miss out on these breweries.
Jack Black Breweries
Jack Black has set itself apart from the pack by producing some of the most popular craft beers in the country.
Using only the finest ingredients and going the extra mile with its brewing process, its beers have become something of a staple around the braai or during an evening out.
While the beers have made their mark across the country, Capetonians have the added option of enjoying the full Jack Black experience by joining a tour of the brewery or visiting the incredibly popular Diep River taproom, which sells the brand’s trademark products, and serves up wonderful food and live entertainment.
- Location: 10 Brigid Rd, Diep River, Cape Town
- Times: Taproom: Monday and Tuesday, 10am to 6pm | Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 8pm | Saturday, 10am to 6pm | Restaurant: Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 9pm | Saturday, 11am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 447 4151
- Website: www.jackblackbeer.com
Newlands Spring Brewing Company
As the name suggests, the Newlands Spring Brewing Company uses some of the finest natural water Cape Town has to offer to produce a range of beers that have truly stood the test of time.
While beer has been produced in the area since the mid-1850s, it wasn’t until 2015 that the Mariendahl brewery, a national monument, was re-established to serve its original purpose – brewing great beer. Once exclusive to the tap, Newlands Spring Brewing Company is now available in bottles and can be found chilling in fridges all over the Cape.
- Location: 3 Main Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm | Closed Saturday to Monday
- Contact: 021 658 7440
- Website: https://newlandsbrew.co.za/
Devil’s Peak Brewing Company
If you are looking for delicious food to compliment some great beer, look no further than the Devil’s Peak Beer Company’s taproom in Salt River.
The watering hole is a favourite for regulars and visitors alike with a host of weekly specials and delectable offerings for all to enjoy.
The company aims and succeeds in making beer that stands apart from all the copy and paste lagers, creating liquid gold that’s forged in the details, including a marvellous selection of non-alcoholic options.
- Location: 66 Gunners Cir, Goodwood, Cape Town,
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm | Closed on weekends
- Contact: 021 200 5818
- Website: www.dpsaltriver.com
Woodstock Brewery
Located in one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and bustling suburbs, Woodstock Brewery is an essential stop on any tour of the City’s beer-drinking hotspots.
The taproom offers a marvellous selection of local brews for patrons to sample and those who come thirsty can also enjoy an hour or two, relaxing with a cold one, in the trendy beer garden.
Seasonal beer is also on the menu so make sure to dive into the full experience.
- Location: 252 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town,
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm | Sunday, 11am to 6pm
- Contact: 021 203 3045
- Website: woodstockbrewery.co.za
Urban Brewing Company
By incorporating traditional brewing techniques with new methods, the Urban Brewing Company offers a unique, flavourful and inspired experience.
This brewery takes full advantage of premium yet readily accessible natural resources, using natural spring water sourced from the picturesque Hout Bay Mountain to add a taste of Cape Town to every pint.
Take a tour of the brewery or enjoy a weiss, blonde ale, pilsner or stout, all produced using Hout Bay spring water.
- Location: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 10pm | Friday, 1pm to 10pm | Weekends, 11am to 7pm
- Contact: 082 338 9109
- Website: http://urbanbrewery.co.za/
ALSO SEE: 8 recipes to make with beer
Written by Murray Swart for Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Woodstock Brewery
