Africa’s first airport brewery in Johannesburg

O.R. Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg, has the continent’s first airport-based brewery: Airport Craft Brewers, owned by Phumelelo Marali.

Phumelelo Marali is one of South Africa’s few black beer brewers, and is at the forefront of the country’s craft beer revolution. He learned to make beer in 2010, from one of South Africa’s master brewers, Lex Mitchell. It took him six months to learn how to brew beer, and about four years to understand the technicality behind it.

He decided to make all the beer at the airport so customers could see the process firsthand and to ensure a “fresher” taste. The brewery turns out about 20,000 litres a week.

Marali prefers brewing, and drinking, sweeter beers, like his dark malt porter. He also makes blonde lager, German-style wheat beer, and Irish red ale.

Craft beer makers are increasing in South Africa. A decade ago, there were only six, now there are about 200. The sector remains dominated by South African Breweries, one of the world’s biggest brewers and part of the multinational beer behemoth, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Marali is contributing to the growth of this sector, by training the next generation of young brewers.

 

Source: VoaNews