THIRSTY DOGS AND HORSES Hilary Biller visits three intriguing local breweries
Hilary Biller spent a weekend visiting three breweries in the Magaliesberg
BLACK HORSE DISTILLERY
VENUE: This popular family-run estate is many things to all people — a restaurant, a distillery producing whiskies, gins, vodkas, a craft brewery and a pub. It also features a wedding venue and a couple of guesthouses. Perched against the side of the hill of the Zeekoeihoek Valley, the restaurant spills into different areas — a children’s play area with tables under the trees, another, quieter, outdoor eating area and the pub.
BEER: They serve eight different beers. Some of the favourites were golden lager, premium lager, Irish red ale – a deep reddish beer with a creamy texture — a honey porter and an interesting pink gingerberry infused with strawberries. Tasters are offered at R5 a shot and beers are R35 a pint.
FOOD: Create your own wood-fired pizza, choosing from a long list of ingredients. Mains include crispy pork knuckle (R147), steak (R147), buffalo wings (R102), burgers (R110), pasta (R90) and beef curry (130).
The Black Horse Craft Brewery is hosting a Cradle Beer Festival from September 2 to 4. Entry tickets are R220 per person. Bookings blackhorse.co.za/ticketsblackhorse.co.za
WHITE DOG TAPROOM
VENUE: Looks are deceiving as the dusty entrance belies the charming character of the place. It’s a small pub with tables spilling onto a large grassed area overlooking a fairly rough putting green. A sandpit and murky dam with a zip line across the water are popular attractions for children. Locals know best — it’s a popular spot. To bag a table, arrive early.
BEER: The Taproom is the home of the excellent Roeks beer — black, white, brown and bitter, made by the owner at his Mogallywood Brewery. Beers are from R30 and tasters are free.
FOOD: The menu is written up on a chalkboard. They are famous for their breakfast pies (R65). The fish and chips (R60) made with beer batter was the best I’ve eaten in ages. Great, generous pizzas are on offer, from R47 plus extra for toppings. They offer takeaways as well. The Taproom is a popular venue for live music and other events. roeksg@gmail.com
BRAUHAUS AM DAMM
VENUE: You can’t miss the Brauhaus, a stark redbrick building overlooking the Olifantsnek Dam. The private brewery and large family restaurant with an outdoor area and small play park for children offers brewing tours and beer tasting.
BEER:The beer is brewed according to the Bavarian reinheitsgebot, the Germany beer purity law, which sets down regulations limiting the ingredients — and it’s good, much lighter than local beers.
FOOD: The menu is large and the helpings huge. It features a range of German specialities such as roasted smoked eisbein (R167) and slow-cooked pork belly (R140). brauhaus.co.za