The reason for the restricted distribution has been as a result of the need for refrigerated transport, given the fact that the ales and lagers delicate balance can be spoilt by exposure to heat and light.

After intensive investigations and testing over a period of six months, Notties Brewery as it is affectionately known by beer lovers, is now offering 500ml canned beer.

This is the first craft brewery in Africa to take this ambitious and costly move.

Says Peter Dean, Rawdons proprietor and visionary behind the brewery "From the start, we have worked with South Africa’s best brewers to produce our beer. The quirky names assigned to the beer – such as Pickled Pig, Whistling Weasel, Tiddly Toad and Pie Eyed Possum have added to their allure, however our secret truly lies in the fact that we use only the finest quality hops and purest spring water which we draw from our artesian well on the grounds. We have been very proud of the success of the brewery but equally frustrated that we could not get our beer 'to travel'. Now that has all changed. We have already had orders coming in to produce beer from other breweries and to can it for them. This alone will be doubling our current production levels and with time and the ability now to sell our beer not only in South Africa but throughout the world, we have certainly achieved a long awaited milestone."