Taste tempting tipples on your trip – Knysna’s craft beers and locally distilled Gin, Brandies and Rum will not disappoint.
A popular trend among the hipsters of the previous decade, craft beers have comfortably claimed their space in the fridges of everyday beer drinkers everywhere. Now readily available in liquor stores and supermarkets throughout the country, South African craft beers deserve their reputation for taste and quality. Knysna’s craft gin, too, has won awards within its first year of distillation.
Craft Breweries
The greater Knysna area proudly pours some of the best craft beers in the Garden Route. It may be convenient to grab a sixpack off the shelf, but it’s much more fun to visit the breweries for a tasting on a lazy afternoon.
The Sedgefield Craft Brewery is a boutique-style brewery that produces six handmade brews using local and imported hops, barley, yeast and filtered water. Their beers contain no maize or preservatives. On offer are their Blonde Ale, Irish Red Ale, India Pale Ale, Weiss Beer, Porter and an American Pale Ale named “Tiddly Tortoise”. The brewery is located inside the Scarab Village, just to the west of Sedgefield. If you visit the brewery on a Saturday, the whole family can enjoy the festivities of the nearby Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market, Mosaic Outdoor Market and Scarab Craft Market.
Situated in Knysna’s industrial area, Red Bridge Brewing Co has created a range of beers that have become local favourites. Their taproom is open for tastings of their American Ale, British style Indian Pale- and Golden Ale, and the Belgian inspired Saison Farmhouse Ale. They are open for tasting and sales, and have some scrumptious eats on the food menu, including the famous Red Bridge Burger.
They are fully licensed and also serve wine, spirits and cocktails.
Knysna Gin
If you prefer a sophisticated G&T, look no further than The Knysna Distillery. Distilling gin with a flame and copper pot still since 2018, Knysna Gin is made with spring water from the Witteberg Mountains and nine natural botanicals including almonds from Sedgefield, honeybush from the Craggs, east of Plettenberg Bay, and num-nums from Knysna – a favourite snack of the Knysna Loerie. The Knysna Gin Classic received a silver medal at the 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition, with their Blueberry Gin a close second local favourite. Also on offer are a Honey Gin and other limited batch seasonal gin creations that have included a Mulberry Gin and a Wild Plum Gin. Tours and tastings are available throughout the week, but why not join them for Friday night Happy Hour at their cocktail bar?
Eden Honey Distillery
Yes, they have honey, but there is so much more! Eden Honey Distillery in the Knysna industrial area has a passion for everything honey. Their trademark Honey Liqueur is filtered to create the purest form of liqueur, with no additives, no sweeteners or oils. They also make raw essences like vanilla, cinnamon, orange, lemon, cherry, and clove. awaken the senses with their tantalizing aromas and vibrant flavours. And last, but certainly not least the spiced Rum and Brandy’s embody bold, vibrant flavours, offering a taste adventure like no other.
Useful Information
- Tastings are fun, but remember that all of the above are also available to buy and enjoy at your accommodation.
- South Africa adheres to stringent drinking and driving laws. Please be sure to appoint a designated driver, or make use of a shuttle service.
- Always stay hydrated by drinking lots of water along with your alcoholic beverages.
