The people of Cape Town are adventure seekers. Whether it’s summiting a mountain or diving off boulders into the big blue, bar hopping on Long Street or getting involved in the gallery scene — Capetonians are here for it all. Road trip? Say less!
Cape Town is the perfect city to plan an epic road trip from. Hit the highway and Ceres, Langebaan, and the Karoo, to name a few, are some padkos and tank of petrol away.
Locals travel for all sorts of reasons: a break, an escape, beer? One of the best breweries around is located just over an hour-and-a-half from Cape Town. A hidden gem filled with the finest hops and history.
Drinking craft beer is a culture that’s grown exponentially in Cape Town. At almost every watering hole, there are local beers on offer. We love to see it! However, reminding us of the magic of a unique find is the Mountain Brewing Company in Worcester.
Far from commercialised, this family-owned brewery is taking what we know and love about craft beer back to its roots. Each bottle boasts a unique concoction — from label to flavour profile — that’s masterfully prepared by the Groenewald family. The Groenewald’s are well-known for the excellence in all the projects they take on and their beer is no different.
Nothing truly great results from an easy journey. From the humble beginnings of brewing beer in their garage, the family worked hard to grow what is now a world-class microbrewery. This is not a story of pineapple beer and gees. It’s one of absolute guts and perseverance; mastery and craftsmanship.
As a result, Mountain Brewing Company is renowned for serving up draught after draught of pure quality. The brewery has even been recognised in the latest edition of World Atlas of Beer, boasting the “most distinct” ales in South Africa.
The World Atlas of Beer is a book by Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb, described as a definitive and essential guide to beer, with information on brews ranging from the Trappist ales of Belgium to the wheat beers of Bavaria, and now, thanks to the Mountain Brewing Company; South Africa.
Under the direction of head brewer and owner, PG Groenewald, only the best quality materials are sourced to produce exceptional beers. Even the indigenous fynbos (which grows in abundance on the mountains of Worcester).
Nothing is sweeter than cracking a cold one with a view to drink up at the same time. The brewery is located 30km outside Worcester in the Klipbokkop Nature Reserve, so pristine views are a given.
Using the landscape as a source of inspiration, PG has fused fynbos ingredients with untouched spring water flowing from the sandstone banks in the mountain. Throw in some Mountain Brewing Company magic and the final products are equally unique and delicious.
The beers are so unique, in fact, that it’s often the case that the Mountain Brewing Company’s creations don’t always fit in the traditional Beer Judge Certification Programme categories. Still, this ballsy brewery has racked up numerous awards in South Africa. The Cape Kraken Belgian Amber Ale, for example, first stole gold in 2015 and it was all systems go from there, with the brewery earning six national gold medals for five of their beers.
The beers are purposefully crafted to form their own identity, taste, and story. No two beers are alike. The beer tastings are a delight to experience, filled with flavour firsts and astounding aromas — an awakening of the senses. Visitors to this gorgeous venue can expect to taste anything from a pale lager with fynbos and honey hints to a cherry ale made with the most divine local cherries.
Mountain Brewing Company also houses a divine restaurant which follows the same recipe as the beer crafting: handmade, homemade, real ingredients. Take a drive, experience the beers, and enjoy a delicious lunch. The burgers are incredible (even the buns are made from scratch)!
“Don’t drink and drive, rather stay over,” is the saying at Mountain Brewing Company. With accommodation offered at Klipbokkop and its conference centre, visitors have plenty of options to turn this adventure into a fine stay-over. Sitting on the stoep sipping a lager overlooking the Kwaggaskloof Dam and surrounding mountains — what are you waiting for?
Share the taste, experience the destination!
Mountain Brewing Company’s beers are available for purchase online. For more information about one of the Western Cape’s most delightful hidden gems, visit www.mountainbrewing.co. Follow the brewery on Instagram and Facebook.
Also read:
Draughts and laughs await at the Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival
Picture: Mountain Brewing Company
