The Brewmistress picks…
At this time of year there’s always a lot of talk about “Christmas beers”. But typical Christmas beers
are designed with the northern hemisphere in mind. They’re generally rich and strong, filled with flavours of fruit cake and cinnamon and festive spice. Things are of course a little different in South
Africa, for who wants to be standing around the braai with a spiced dark ale on a blistering hot day?
Or sitting with your toes in the pool, warming glass of 12% ABV imperial stout in hand?
Here a Christmas beer needs to be something light and refreshing – my recommendation? A pint of
pilsner. Pilsner is a type of golden lager, usually a touch more bitter than the average pale lager, with
a more pronounced malt character and a more complex hop aroma and flavour. They generally
come in Czech or German variants, with the German pilsner being drier and crisper than the Czech
version. Both are just as refreshing on a hot summer’s day, and both are what Germans refer to as
“pintable”. Here are six pilsners to look out for this Christmas.
Soul Barrel SA Pils (4.2% ABV)
Brewed using 100% South African ingredients, Soul Barrel’s pils is crisp and dry, with a fairly
pronounced hop aroma.
Richmond Hill Twin Fin Keller Pilsner (5% ABV)
Named for the German word for cellar, a keller beer is one that is unfiltered. Richmond Hill’s
German-style pilsner is full flavoured, crisp and refreshing.
Pilsner Urquell (4.4% ABV)
The world’s first pale lager is still one of its best. Beautifully balanced between malt and hops,
complex yet infinitely refreshing and borderline unputdownable, this Czech import is a must over
the festive season.
Bitburger Premium Pils (4.8% ABV)
Imported from Germany but found across South Africa, this smooth and highly drinkable beer is the
classic German-style pilsner.
Tolokazi Sorghum Pilsner (5% ABV)
In a fine South African twist, this Jo-burg-brewed pilsner has a small percentage of malted sorghum
in the grain bill alongside malted barley.
CBC Pilsner (5% ABV)
Brewed in the Cape Winelands, this German-style pilsner is a must-have for any South African fridge
this summer.
