Riebeek Kasteel is one of my favourite places in the Swartland. It’s a town that definitely follows a different beat to what we’re accustomed in Cape Town, but one you could very easily get used to after just a single visit. Even more so, now that Flagship Brew has opened for business.

Conceived from an idea back in 2014, the family-owned micro brewery of Flagship Brew boasts a 500 litre custom designed brewing system, and following a rather lengthy liquor licence acquisition period, they can now sell their wares to the craft beer lovers of the Cape – and what wonderful wares they are!

flagship brew

My first taste of Flagship Brew’s varied lineup was the Siren IPA, a strong, hoppy India Pale Ale with an underlying fruitiness that quite simply left me wanting more. Next on my list was the refreshing Summer Ale, a blonde beer that also had me looking to order another. Catering for all craft beer tastes, Flagship Brew also produces the easy-to-drink, German-style New World Lager and the Red Valley Ale, a rich and robust beer of the American ale variety.

flagship brew

Having just opened, the brewers at Flagship are hoping to have their range of beers in 440 ml bottles available at selected liquor stores in Cape Town soon, but you can already enjoy 350 ml and 500 ml portions at their no-nonsense tasting room.

flagship brew

Fear not, beer connoisseur, if you’re only finding out about Flagship Brew now, because you can be one of the first people to publicly try some this very weekend. The brewery is holding its grand opening on 30 and 31 January 2016 at 9 Church Street, in the heart of Riebeek Kasteel. Their full range of speciality beers will be available, as well as pint specials, tasting trays and delicious pulled pork brisket rolls:

flagship brew

Make a day of it and explore Riebeek Kasteel in the morning, pulling into Flagship Brew’s beer garden for a spot of lunch and a pint before heading back to the big city before dark. And with the kind of weather we’re expecting this weekend, you’ll probably need an ice-cold beer just to get you through the day.

flagship brew

OF NOTE
Where 9 Church Street, Riebeek Kasteel, Swartland
When Tuesdays to Saturdays: 11 am – 6 pm, Sundays 11 am – 2 pm (grand opening on 30–31 January 2016)
Cost 330 ml: R20 – R25, 500 ml: R30 – R35, tasting trays: R30
Contact +27 22 448 1122 and +27 82 413 8332 (Roger), [email protected], Facebook and Twitter

Photography courtesy Flagship Brew and Jonathan Meyer

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