Darling Brew takes 7 awards at the 2021 African Beer Cup!

Greetings from Darling Brew HQ! We've got some biiiiig news to share, folks. 

It is our sincere pleasure to announce our humble brewery in the small town of Darling on the West Coast of South Africa has managed to win no less than seven awards* at the most recent African Beer Cup.  The African Beer Cup is an annual event seeking out the best beers on the African continent. The competition is open to licensed, commercial breweries large and small, on the condition that the beers entered have been brewed in Africa. Entries are then double-judged by a handpicked panel of qualified beer judges and industry experts according to the stringent 2015 BJCP Guidelines.

*If this sounds like a humblebrag, we apologise - we actually meant for it to come out as a full-fledged brag since we could not be any more stoked about these accolades. 

These awards are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, especially our talented brewers who created these exceptional beers. Here's to the craftsmanship, time, and sincere love of small-batch brewing that went into the Darling Brew beers that received a tip of the hat from the judges. This includes:

Darling Brew Bonecrusher:

Bronze (Belgian Ale)

The Bonecrusher is a refreshing Wit beer presenting cloudy, pale gold in the glass. It has a powerful nose with traditional coriander, clove and sweet banana aromas. An easy, silky mouthfeel leads to a zesty citrus finish.

Darling Brew Long Claw:

Silver (Strong Belgian Ale)

Longclaw is a speciality beer inspired by the lion - a single hop saison produced in collaboration with Eduardo Petry of Sunset Brew in Brazil. Longclaw puts a modern twist on a classic style with the use of citra hops – resulting in fruity esters and tropical fruit aromas. 

Darling Brew Arrowhead Vintage 2020:

Silver (Wood Beer)

The Arrowhead Vintage 2020 is a near-black Russian Imperial Stout barrel-aged for 3 months and infused with Madagascar bourbon vanilla, smooth coffees and hints of dark chocolate. Experience a truly unique flavour from the sweet malts and warming alcohol with just a touch of hoppy bitterness.

Darling Brew JUST Beer:

Bronze (International Lager)

JUST Beer strives to be South Africa's favourite mainstream Premium Lager. Naturally brewed, we use superior ingredients whilst remaining preservative free with a crisp flavour.  

Darling Brew Warlord:

Bronze (Strong American Ale)

The Warlord is is a beer that means business. High in hop flavours. Guava and lychee, grapefruit, pine and a hint of florals. The 9% alcohol leaves the drinker with a warming feeling. A mild, well-rounded bitterness for the style, and elegantly balanced, with a full mouthfeel, but not quite as heavy as one would expect.

Darling Brew Pixie Dust:

Bronze (German Wheat Beer)

Pixie Dust is a Golden Weiss with a citrusy hop, yeasty smooth mouthfeel and mild bitterness, hinting at fruity and spicy flavours while remaining very slightly sweet. Aromas are a balance of clove and banana. Golden in colour with a cloudy, tight foam, Pixie Dust is the perfect thirst-quencher for the warm summer months, and available seasonally. 

Darling Brew Black Mist:

Silver (American Porter + Stout)

Black Mist is naturally majestic, a blacker-than-black porter with a creamy light tan, almost white head. Roasted coffees and dark chocolates come to the fore. A trace of light bitterness is discernible, but this definitely is a malt-forward beer. 

Most of these award-winning beers are available for purchase from our online store (aside from the speciality beers and seasonal brews intended for summer enjoyment), and can also be sampled in person at our Tasterooms in Woodstock and Darling. 

We look forward to entering next year's competition and bringing home an even more extensive collection of awards. In the meantime we invite you to find your favourites and share your personal reviews in person or online - we always love getting feedback from our loyal supporters.