Meet the New Beer Kid

With its fruity aroma, crisp taste and low alcohol it was specially crafted for Namibian summers.

The newest kid on the craft beer block is Tholch, a microbrewery started by three brothers who share a love of good beer. Established back in 2017, members of the public had the chance to taste some of these beers only at weekend markets held in and around Windhoek. However, the company received its distribution licence in September this year - which means that you will start seeing a lot more of Tholch.

It all started when brewer Thomas Mechnig received a home brewing kit as a gift. Even though the beer that he produced with the kit was not all that great it ignited an interest in brewing. After studying books by American and German craft beer gurus, he started experimenting with his own styles. By combining the different brewing methods of the two countries he created beers that were to his liking. After experimenting in the kitchen for a while, he eventually had to move to the garage when he acquired a larger brewing system. The excellent feedback from friends who tried his beer planted the seed to start a microbrewery. He roped in his two brothers, Oliver and Christopher, and Tholch was born. The striking name is a combination of the three brothers’ names. But essentially it is still a oneman brewing operation because both brothers reside in Germany. They assist with marketing, design of logos and support in the technical aspects of brewing.

Thomas Mechnig brews each beer in the Tholch range to perfection. There is a Munich-style Helles, a pale lager with a grainy, sweet malt aroma and a softly rounded palate. Then the IPA that has intense fruity aromas with citrus and floral notes that jump out at you. The latest in the range is the Summer Wheat which has the ingredients of a wheat beer but is brewed in an ale style. With its fruity aroma, crisp taste and low alcohol it was specially crafted for Namibian summers. Golden cold brews made to be knocked back. Every so often a limited edition beer will be launched. It will vary in tune with the seasons - a heavier bock beer, for example, will be brewed during the winter months.

The Tholch range of beers should be hitting the shelves of select bottle stores from the end of this month, so be sure to keep those thirsty eyes peeled.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk