In 2007, Ross and Megan McCulloch moved to Cape Town to introduce craft beer to South Africa.
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Their journey began in Vancouver’s wine industry, where the couple, influenced by Canada’s growing craft beer scene, saw an opportunity to bring this trend to Ross’s home country. This is how the idea for Jack Black’s Brewing Co was born.
Sixteen years later, the brand has become one of the most well-known craft beers on the scene. Starting with a stall at The Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock, the McCullochs operated on a tight budget, laying the foundations of a community that has endured over the years.
In 2009, their efforts saw Jack Black transition from bottled beers at farmers’ markets to being available on tap at restaurants. This move exposed their flagship pre-prohibition lager to a new crowd. By 2011, the brand was among the first to produce craft beer in the country.
In 2015, the McCullochs built their brewery, and Jack Black’s Taproom in Diep River opened the following year.
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However, the full prohibition in 2020 due to the pandemic dealt a blow to the brand. Despite this, Jack Black persevered, and by 2023, the craft beer industry was thriving again.
From the start, innovation has been central to Jack Black’s ethos. Believing in offering a range of beers for diverse occasions and palates, they crafted a wide spectrum of beers over the years, punctuated by limited releases that celebrate community, seasonality, and unique ingredients.
Their first flagship brew, the pre-prohibition lager, was a popular choice, offering South Africans a taste that felt familiar yet distinctively special. Then came the CPA (Cape Pale Ale), a brew tailored to meet the demand for a drink that combined lager-like sessionability with the distinct hop character of an ale.
Their adventurous spirit continues with the Super Crush range, encompassing both a Radler and an Ale. The spotlight now shines on their newest offering, the Super Crush Cherry Ale, set to hit South African shelves this December.
Originally an exclusive on-tap offering at Jack Black’s Taproom, its overwhelming popularity inspired them to bottle it for a select range of stockists.
From the beginning, Jack Black was more than just about beer; it was about bringing people together. As Meghan and Ross navigated the craft beer world, they always returned to this core principle.
As Jack Black continues to evolve, grow, and innovate, their dedication to the community continues to guide them.
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