When we talk about the best beers in South Africa, thats when South Africa’s beer scene offers something for every taste, from well-known commercial brands to unique craft brews. Whether you’re enjoying a cold one at a braai or exploring new flavors at a brewery, the variety of options makes it easy to find the best beers in South Africa.
This list covers both popular commercial and craft beers, showcasing the best beers in South Africa. But first, let’s briefly look at what sets commercial and craft beers apart.
Commercial Beers vs. Craft Beers: What’s the Difference?
Commercial Beers:
Commercial beers are mass-produced by large companies, focusing on consistency and broad appeal. Brands like Castle Lager and Carling Black Label have become household names, widely recognised as some of the best beers in South Africa due to their availability and affordability. These beers stick to standard recipes, offering consistent flavors wherever you find them.
South African Breweries (SAB) has been the leading name in this market for over a century, producing some of the most iconic beers that are enjoyed across the country.
Craft Beers:
Craft beers, on the other hand, are made in smaller batches by independent breweries, focusing on creativity and experimentation. Breweries like Darling Brew and Cape Brewing Company (CBC) are known for their distinctive flavors and innovative techniques, adding variety to the lineup of the best beers in South Africa.
These beers offer bolder, more unique tastes and cater to drinkers seeking a more personalised experience. The craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, particularly in the Western Cape, where breweries are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
Now, let’s dive into some of South Africa’s top commercial and craft beers.
Top 10 Commercial Beers in South Africa
These are some of the most popular and well-loved commercial options, often considered the best beers in South Africa for their accessibility and familiarity.
1. Castle Lager
- Brewery: South African Breweries (SAB)
- ABV: 5%
Castle Lager is a staple for many South Africans, enjoyed at braais and sports events across the country. Its crisp, well-balanced flavor makes it a contender for the best beers in South Africa.
2. Carling Black Label
- Brewery: SAB
- ABV: 5.5%
Known as the “Champion Beer,” Carling Black Label is one of the best beers in South Africa with its robust flavor and award-winning profile. It’s a favorite for those looking for something a bit stronger.
3. Hansa Pilsener
- Brewery: SAB
- ABV: 4.5%
Hansa Pilsener’s light and refreshing taste with a slight bitterness makes it a popular choice, often recognized among the best beers in South Africa for its crisp finish.
4. Amstel Lager
- Brewery: Heineken South Africa
- ABV: 5%
Amstel Lager has a smooth malt flavor and is well-loved for its easy-drinking profile. It’s considered one of the best beers in South Africa, perfect for social occasions.
5. Savanna Dry (Cider)
- Brewery: Distell
- ABV: 6%
While technically a cider, Savanna Dry holds a firm spot in the lineup of popular drinks in South Africa. Its crisp, dry apple flavor often places it on lists alongside the best beers in South Africa.
6. Windhoek Lager
- Brewery: Namibia Breweries
- ABV: 4%
Windhoek Lager’s clean, refreshing taste comes from pure ingredients, making it one of the best choices for those seeking simplicity. It’s often regarded as one of the best beers in South Africa.
7. Castle Lite
- Brewery: SAB
- ABV: 4%
This lighter, low-calorie version of Castle Lager is a refreshing choice. Its crisp flavor and accessibility make it one of the best beers in South Africa for light beer drinkers.
8. Flying Fish
- Brewery: SAB
- ABV: 4.5%
Flying Fish offers a fruity twist with flavors like lemon and apple, making it a unique option among the best beers in South Africa for those who want something different.
9. Hunters Dry (Cider)
- Brewery: Distell
- ABV: 5.5%
Another well-known cider, Hunters Dry, is a favorite for its refreshing apple flavor. It’s often compared alongside some of the best beers in South Africa due to its popularity.
10. Tafel Lager
- Brewery: Namibia Breweries
- ABV: 4%
Tafel Lager provides a mild bitterness and balanced maltiness. This beer is appreciated for its smooth, easy finish and often ranks among the best beers in South Africa.
Top 10 Craft Beers in South Africa
These independent breweries are leading the way with unique and flavorful brews, often landing their creations among the best beers in South Africa for craft beer lovers.
1. Cape Brewing Company (CBC) Amber Weiss
- Brewery: Cape Brewing Company
- ABV: 5%
CBC Amber Weiss is a classic wheat beer with fruity and spicy notes. Its smooth, slightly sweet taste makes it one of the best beers in South Africa in the craft category.
2. Devils Peak Lager
- Brewery: Devils Peak Brewing Company
- ABV: 4.8%
This well-balanced lager from Devils Peak offers mild bitterness and malt sweetness, earning its spot among the best beers in South Africa.
3. Jack Black’s Atlantic Weiss
- Brewery: Jack Black Brewing Co.
- ABV: 5.3%
Jack Black’s Atlantic Weiss is a refreshing wheat beer with banana and clove flavors, often considered one of the best beers in South Africa for those who enjoy a fruity touch.
4. Darling Brew Bone Crusher
- Brewery: Darling Brew
- ABV: 6%
This Belgian-style witbier, brewed with spices, is a zesty, flavorful option and easily one of the best beers in South Africa in the craft beer space.
5. Woodstock Brewery Californicator
- Brewery: Woodstock Brewery
- ABV: 6.5%
Californicator, an American IPA, brings bold hoppy flavors to the table. Its adventurous taste places it among the best beers in South Africa for IPA enthusiasts.
6. Drifter Brewing Co. The Stormy Smoked Porter
- Brewery: Drifter Brewing Co.
- ABV: 6%
This smoked porter from Drifter Brewing Co. has deep roasted flavors, making it a standout in the list of the best beers in South Africa for those seeking something rich and smoky.
7. Triggerfish Brewing Ocean Potion
- Brewery: Triggerfish Brewing
- ABV: 6%
Ocean Potion is a tropical pale ale with fruit-forward flavors, making it one of the more refreshing and exciting options among the best beers in South Africa.
8. Mad Giant Killer Hop Pale Ale
- Brewery: Mad Giant Brewery
- ABV: 5.4%
Killer Hop offers bold hoppy notes with a citrusy balance. This pale ale frequently ranks as one of the best beers in South Africa for craft beer fans.
9. Stellenbosch Brewing Co. Van Hunks Pumpkin Ale
- Brewery: Stellenbosch Brewing Company
- ABV: 5%
This seasonal pumpkin ale from Stellenbosch Brewing Co. brings warming spices and real pumpkin, making it a unique entry among the best beers in South Africa.
10. Citizen Alliance Amber Ale
- Brewery: Citizen Craft Beer
- ABV: 4.5%
Citizen Alliance Amber Ale combines caramel sweetness with light bitterness, offering a well-rounded flavor. It’s often listed among the best beers in South Africa for those who enjoy a more complex profile.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s beer scene is filled with options that cater to every type of drinker, from large-scale commercial giants to small-batch craft breweries. Whether you prefer a classic lager or a bold, hoppy IPA, you’re bound to find something to enjoy from this list of the best beers in South Africa.
Think there’s a beer that should be added to this list? Let me know, and I’ll judge whether it deserves a place in the next round of the best beers in South Africa!