By Kristy Hesom

Originally from England but now residing in Cape Town, Corne recently embarked on an adventure across South Africa, stopping at each craft brewery along the way.

To welcome everyone at the launch, Corne said; “Beers are the animals on this safari, see them in their habitat.”

Corne also announced a Twitter and Instagram competition which would see one lucky person winning a signed copy of Beer Safari by posting a funny message.

In talking about her journey, Corne realised the story she was to tell was as much about the brewers, as it was about the beers. Many of them were living their second lives as brewers, after deciding; “I don’t want to do my day job anymore”.

Corne picked out her top five beers, aptly named the ‘BIG Five Pints’, beers that will always be great.

Guests were treated to a (rather large ) taste of each beer, and a short description.  First up was Gauteng local, Soweto Gold Superior Lager, which is brewed at the Ubuntu Kraal Brewery in Orlando West. Our journey’s beginning got our taste buds wanting more with Soweto Gold’s slight fruitiness and caramel flavours. The second stop was Brauhaus am Damm, a Rustenburg-based brewery with one of the few female brewers in the country.

Before we reached the middle of our safari, Corne asked the crowd if they noticed any differences between a wine tasting and the beer tasting, and pointed out that there were no spit buckets, because “you don’t spit when you’re beer tasting!”

The third stop was Luxton Lager brewery, whose African beer boasts hints of fynbos and honey. It was brewed 36 different times before they perfected the recipe. Corne says it’s a “love it or hate it beer”, but the crowd seemed to love it.

After this African taster, we moved on to Mad Giant Beer’s Punk Hope American Pale Ale, whose light honey, biscuit and caramel flavours inspired the winning tweet by @JKnoxZa; “Come to the dark side, we have cookie infused beer. Mad Giant, awesome beer!! @capitalcraftpta #BeerSafari”.

Last but not least, the beer safari ended at the Cockpit Brewhouse, whose fittingly-named brewer, Andre de Beer, was in attendance. His light India Pale Ale left guests thirsty for more as their night continued, enjoying the beer and chatting to the Corne.

The event was a laid back experience for beer connoisseurs and rookies alike, with the beer and the host making everyone feel like they were a part of her Beer Safari.

For more information, and to purchase the book, visit brewmistress.co.za. Alternatively, connect with her on Twitter using the #beersafari hashtag. 

*Image courtesy of Craft Nation