Our Story
Darling BrewĀ is one of the most recognisable and highly acclaimed craft beer brands in South Africa, having recently earned the title of Best Local Craft Beer at the 2021 Kfm Best of the Cape awards. The brewery was established in 2010 in the small town of Darling on the West Coast and is officially recognised as Africa's first carbon-neutral brewery - a bastion of operational excellence throughout the industry.
Managed by Tewie Roos (Managing Director), and owned and invested in by Mario Delicio since building the state of the art craft brewery in 2015, Darling Brew was originally the brainchild of Kevin and Phillipa Wood, who started the business in 2010. After a decade with Darling Brew and establishing it as a household name, they were ready for a new venture and sold their remaining shares to Mario, after appointing Tewie Roos who was ready to take the brand to new heights.
The idea that led to the establishment of Darling Brew came to the original founders when they were travelling through Africa in 2007, and came upon and were inspired by a local microbrewery on their journey. Upon returning home, they slowly started up a small turnkey brewery and eventually happened upon a talented brewmaster who came on board to give Darling Brew the boost it needed to officially join the South African craft beer movement.
With Tewie now at the helm of Darling Brew, the business is growing and developing in exciting new directions, while still staying true to its core vision and mission of creating captivating products that tread lightly on the earth.Ā Read more about Darling Brew MD Tewie Roos, his extensive industry experience, and his vision for Darling BrewĀ here.
The first beer ever produced under the Darling Brew label was the iconicĀ Slow Beer, which was inspired by the geometric tortoise - a beautiful reptile that is endemic to the Western Cape and critically endangered due to threats to its habitat, illegal animal trading. etc. The term 'Slow Beer' also encompasses the Darling Brew philosophy, highlighting the brandās trademark slow fermentation process, as well as the beauty of products that are not mass-produced, but rather lovingly made in small, bespoke batches.
These are all available at retailers throughout SA, for nationwide delivery on theĀ DBshop, and at DB Tasterooms inĀ Darling, West Coast,Ā and Dorptoe, Bethlehem. The Tasterooms are the ideal spot for a beer tasting, and a great meal in a family-friendly atmosphere.
We offer a variety of beverage portfolios, including Craft, Premium, and Ready-to-Drink; and most of these brews are available both bottled and in keg at various Darling Brew Partner Outlets.
ā TheĀ Craft RangeĀ includes our core brands, namely DarlingĀ Slow Beer,Ā Bone Crusher, andĀ Warlord.
ā This is bolstered by ourĀ Seasonal & Speciality Craft Beer RangeĀ likeĀ Arrowhead andĀ Pixie DustĀ that are only available for a select time throughout the year, the releases of which are staggered to suit the season.
ā TheĀ Premium Portfolio, previously mentioned, currently consists of ourĀ JUST range, which includes JUST Beer (5.7% | 340ml + 660ml), JUST Right (4.2% | 340ml + 660ml) and JUST Naked (0.0% | 340 ml).
ā The Ready to Drink Range includes Tjaila Beer Shandy available in Groovy Grapefruit, Laidback Lemon, and Chilled Cherry flavours. These and the Leadwood Gin & Tonic are available in bottles and kegs.
Our sustainability journey starts with our passion for the conservation of our environment and the beautiful animals we share it with which is why we not only want to be good to the planet in our brewing operations but help our incredible wildlife by continue to use our platform to shine a light on the pressing issues these creatures are encountering. Each of our beers are inspired by an endangered species and positioned to create awareness for their animal kingdom likeness, e.g. the geometric tortoise, rhino, etc. Darling Brew was also named Africa's first Carbon Neutral Brewery which is a badge we wear proudly!
Darling Brew is viewed as one of the big five craft brewers in the country. We are definitely not the biggest by volume, but certainly one of the most recognised craft brands in the market. Recent accolades weāve garnered in the lasts couple of months confirm that our focus and strategy is beginning to bear fruit, and confirming the importance of our teamās labour. Seven of our beers received awards in the African Beer Cup, and Darling Brew also named the Cape's Best Local Craft Beer in the Kfm Best of the Cape Awards. Additionally, we were selected as Best Craft Brewer in the Western Cape by the LUXlife Food & Drink Awards 2021, and also received an accolade for our newly overhauled, e-commerce website by Design Rush.
The Darling Brew team is renowned for its ability to innovate. Our whole team worked extremely hard during each level of lockdown to ensure that we were developing the business, and cutting any needless expenses without retrenching any of our valued workers. It is this continued determination and innovative spirit that has allowed us to band together and thrive despite all the challenges that have come our way. The future looks bright for Darling Brew with this team in its corner.
Meet the entire DB crewĀ right hereĀ or find out more about the everyday ins and outs of our brewery on ourĀ DB Blog!