In 2018, I made a choice that changed my life forever. As a beer enthusiast in the Western Cape, I had spent years enjoying the wide variety of brews that our local craft beer scene had to offer—from the crisp lagers of Darling Breweries to the creative brews of Woodstock and the refreshing classics from CBC. But simply tasting these beers wasn’t enough; I wanted to share this passion with others. And that’s when “The Cape Beer Guy” came to life.
A Passion is Born
The decision to become a beer blogger wasn’t sudden. It developed gradually, much like the perfect brewing process. I was always on the lookout for new breweries, discovering hidden spots tucked away between the mountains and the coast, and diving deeper into the craft. I became fascinated with every aspect—from the different hop varieties to the unique stories behind each brewery. It was during one of these adventures, after an inspiring brewery tour in Darling, that the idea solidified. Why not create a blog focused on my love for craft beer?
Exploring Breweries in the Western Cape
The Western Cape is a paradise for beer enthusiasts. Whether it’s the relaxed atmosphere of a taproom overlooking vineyards in Stellenbosch or the lively environment of an urban brewery in Woodstock, there’s always something new to explore. As I began to share my experiences, my curiosity only grew stronger. I found myself spending weekends driving down remote roads to find a brewery recommended by a friend or sampling flights of beer that defied everything I thought I knew about taste.
One of the first gems I uncovered was the Woodstock Brewery, a cornerstone of Cape Town’s beer scene. Their beers were both inventive and daring, challenging the very definition of craft beer. The brewery also had a strong sense of community—a place where stories were exchanged, friendships were forged, and beer lovers found a sense of belonging. This was exactly the kind of experience I wanted to capture and share through my blog.
From Passion to Content
“The Cape Beer Guy” quickly evolved beyond just a blog. It became an ongoing journey that I could share with others. I started writing about the beers I sampled, the breweries I visited, and the passionate individuals I met. I aimed for my readers to feel as if they were alongside me, tasting a tangy sour ale in a shaded garden or enjoying the rich undertones of a porter by a warm fire.
One of the biggest insights I gained was that the story of a beer is more than just the beverage itself. It’s about the people, the artistry, and the culture. It’s about those who rise early to start the brewing process, who experiment with different ingredients, and who invite others to be part of their story.
Why Beer Blogging Felt Like the Perfect Path
The beer culture in the Cape is truly unique, and blogging has allowed me to immerse myself in it completely. I’ve met incredible people, from seasoned brewers to new creators eager to make their mark. Each person added another layer to my appreciation of what makes this community so special.
Blogging gave me the ideal reason to explore every part of the Cape, meet amazing brewers, taste distinctive creations, and discover stories worth sharing. It has been a time of discovery, learning, and a deepening appreciation for the craft beer scene.
Come Along for the Ride
If you’ve ever been curious about craft beer, I invite you to join me. Whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a cold one, there’s always something new to find in the Western Cape’s diverse beer scene.
From the early days of “The Cape Beer Guy” to becoming part of this wonderful community, the journey has been nothing short of a dream come true. Here’s to many more years of tasting, exploring, and sharing the stories behind the beers we love. Cheers!