Six African Beer Cup award winners to sip in August
This year’s African Beer Cup took place in May, with more than 50 expert judges from a
dozen different countries arriving in Cape Town to assess almost 300 beers from across the
continent. Beers are judged twice and there are strict controls for those hoping to win a
medal. Competition organiser Lucy Corne rounded up six of this year’s illustrious medal
winners from Africa’s biggest beer competition.
Soul Barrel x Tolokazi Beer Wild African Soul (6.7% ABV)
This groundbreaking beer blends farmhouse ale with traditional umqombothi and is then
aged in an oak barrel. It beat 259 beers from 14 African countries to be crowned Best Beer
in Africa at the 2025 African Beer Cup. A spontaneously fermented beer, it is tart and
complex and is best served with robust cheeses.
Shackleton Brewing Company Kölsch (4.5% ABV)
A traditional German style, the Kölsch has all the crisp drinkability of a lager, although it is in
fact a type of Blonde Ale. Shackleton’s flagship beer won a gold medal at the 2025
competition.
Newlands Spring Mountain Weiss (4.5% ABV)
A classic German-style Weissbier, with prominent notes of banana and a background
sprinkling of cloves, all coming from the yeast. It was one of Newlands Spring’s two gold
medals at this year’s competition.
Woodstock Moose Hammer (5.5% ABV)
Bagging the gold medal in the prestigious American Pale Ale category, Woodstock’s Moose
Hammer is a hazy pale ale, filled with tropical and stone fruit aromas and flavours.
Afro Caribbean Pirate Porter (5% ABV)
Grabbing a gold medal in this year’s competition, this rich but very sessionable porter is
perfect for sipping by the fire on chilly winter evenings. Expect notes of coffee, chocolate
and a touch of coca cola.
Whale Coast Brewing Dark Lager (5% ABV)
One of three 2025 medal winners from this Overberg-based microbrewery, the Dark Lager is
a crisp, refreshing but flavourful beer with subtle notes of chocolate.
