Crazy for Craft Beer

LIQUOR STOCK CRAZY FOR CRAFT BEER Mitchell’s Brewery – the craft beer that started craft beer: now looking and tasting better than ever before

Established in 1983 in Knysna, Mitchell’s Brewery is the longest-standing independently owned South African brewery in the country, and also the original craft beer producer in SA. With a team committed to producing the finest quality craft beer using only natural ingredients, Mitchell’s has introduced fresh packaging designs for its familiar beers, known for the authentically charming stories behind their names: Forester’s Lager, Bosun’s Pale Ale, Milk & Honey Ale, 90 Shilling Ale, Raven Stout and Old Wobbly Strong Lager. Hein Swart, Managing Director of Mitchell’s Brewery, says the first beer he ever tasted was from Mitchell’s when he was on holiday in Knysna as a young man, and “long before craft beer was even a thing”. Swart’s first taste started a passion that later led him to join South African Breweries and achieve the hard-earned status of SAB Master. “It’s given me the experience, knowledge and know-how to take a brand like Mitchell’s, who has a craft brewing history of more than 30 years, and drive it forward commercially.” Apart from the brand-new packaging design, there has also been investment in optimising quality, consistency, and production processes at the sub 20 000 HLPA brewery in the heart of Knysna. Filtration and pasteurisation capabilities have been implemented, and a fermentation tank farm extended with additional fermentation vessels to ensure reliable supply. International Brewmaster, Jörg Finkeldey, who consults to the production team at Mitchell’s, says, “The range continues to remain true to original ingredients, and we’re constantly refining processes to ensure the best brew across our entire range.” The ability to source high-quality ingredients locally remains core to the Mitchell’s philosophy. “We’re in the prime Southern Cape agricultural region where hops is cultivated, so we have access to the finest raw ingredients on our doorstep. We only use 100% natural ingredients, which are locally sourced, using original recipes and a unique brewing process, resulting in full-bodied, thirst-quenching flavours for our discerning clientele,” says Finkeldey. With a permanent staff complement that has been at the brewery for the past 15-18 years, and nurtured in the skill of craft beer production, Swart says, “Getting craft beer right is part science and part art; it takes a high level of commitment from everyone at the brewery, and we’re very fortunate to have such a longstanding and dedicated team of people involved from the local community.”

CRISP, CLEAN AND LIGHTLY HOPPED REFRESHMENT

Forester’s Lager

ABV 3.6%

To satisfy the taste buds of the original Knysna lumberjacks working in the nearby timber forests, we named the very first Mitchell’s beer Forester’s Lager. Using only locally sourced hops from our neighbouring town and two-row barley, we’ve carefully lagered this lightly hopped brew at sub-zero temperatures and patiently left it to mature, creating an exceptionally crisp, clean, easy-todrink beer. This delicious thirst-quencher has a dry finish and type of refreshment that, after a long day’s work, has you ordering another.

REWARDINGLY FULLBODIED. SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST PALE ALE

Bosun’s Pale Ale

ABV 3.6%

Since 1787, the infamous rocky Knysna Heads have claimed the ships of captains who’ve ignored the advice of their righthand man, “the bosun”. Mitchell’s Bosun’s is South Africa’s very first pale ale and is uniquely hopped and malted to create this distinctly bitter brew. It is well measured, balanced and pale golden amber in colour. While lower in alcohol, it remains fully flavoured with a rewarding refreshment that is sure to quench your thirst – even if you’ve been at sea for days.

MALTINESS THAT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY

Ninety Shilling Ale

ABV 5%

Old Scottish brewers used to name their ales after the alcohol tax they owed to the government. So, when we brewed our first high- alcohol beer in 1986, we named it Ninety Shilling ale. Dark copper in colour, this extra spicy Ale is liberally hopped to stand up to its own intense maltiness, and whirlpool filtered as it was done in those days. It’s brewed to be sipped and savoured slowly and, in our humble opinion, is worth every penny.

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST CRAFT STOUT

Raven Stout

ABV 5%

Way back in 1987, we brewed South Africa’s first craft stout. It came out as dark as a raven’s feather. Years later, using a dark roasted malt, we brew the same stout that is both rich and smooth. It holds a distinct smokiness, a hint of coffee and a touch of liquorice, all topped by a dense creamy head that completes this master brew and is yet another feather in the Mitchell’s Brewery cap.

THE HOP-FORWARD BREWMASTER’S CHOICE

Milk & Honey Ale

ABV 5.5%

In 1983, Mitchell’s Brewery opened its doors in Knysna, a little town we like to think of as the Land of Milk and Honey. As a dedication to our birthplace, we brew this handsomely gold ale to be full-bodied and big on hops. During careful maturation, the signature flavours of Knysna’s earthy goodness, balanced with hints of sweet maltiness, begin to develop, making it the Brewmaster’s choice.

A REFRESHING LAGER THAT STILL PACKS A PUNCH

Old Wobbly Strong Lager

ABV 7%

This celebratory lager was originally brewed at 12% ABV, giving it the potential to take the feet out from under even the sturdiest of beer drinkers. It was affectionately known as Old Wobbly, and due to its popularity is still brewed today, although slightly lower in ABV in keeping with the times. This slightly bitter but generously malted lager is brewed and fully matured at a respectful 7% ABV. Don’t be fooled, the Old Wobbly still packs a punch so please, drink responsibly.

THE MITCHELL’S CRAFT BEER RANGE

Mitchell’s craft beers are available nationally at Pick n Pay, Makro, Ultra Liquors, Tops and Norman Goodfellows, as well as Checkers in the Southern and Western Cape. Raven Stout is only available in winter. Old Wobbly Strong Lager is currently only available in the Southern and Western Cape. Mitchell’s is the pride of Knysna, and the original South African craft beer.