Beer

South African craft brewer threatens to ‘shake up’ UK beer scene

By Nicholas Robinson

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Beer Brewing

Alternative to UK and US beers: Devil's Peak beers from South Africa
Alternative to UK and US beers: Devil's Peak beers from South Africa
South African craft brewery Devil’s Peak Brewing Company has threatened to “shake up” the UK’s craft beer scene with its King’s Blockhouse IPA.

The six-year-old business, which is claimed to be the country’s fastest rising craft brewery, has been rated as producing the best beer in South Africa.

Producers have said the IPA will offer an alternative to mainstream US and UK craft beers.

Beer lovers

Head brewer JC Steyn said: “The UK craft beer market, while offering excellent variety and quality for beer lovers, is currently dominated by UK and US brewers, we’re here to help shake things up a little.

“Devil’s Peak Brewing Company has spent years developing a range of high-quality and varied beers that we’re certain will be a genuine alternative to beers that are now seen by many as the norm.”

The 6% ABV Blockhouse IPA has a light aroma with a bitter fruit-driven flavour and will be distributed in the UK by Charles Wells.

Meanwhile, the Brewers Association revealed what it believed would be the top six trends​, with IPA firmly at the top as the dominant style.

Other varieties expected to be popular in 2017 included crisp, clean pilsners and lagers; sour beers; beers fermented using natural yeasts; coffee-infused porters and stouts; and wood and barrel-aged beers.

Packaging options

Packaging would also play an important role in the future. Graham Richardson, general manager for global beverage importer Heathwick, said: “Cans are an increasingly popular packaging option – the beer chills down quicker and stays fresh for longer, cans are more portable and they have a greater pack area to communicate brand imagery.

“More and more producers, both globally and domestically, are using canned options.”

The reluctance from premium outlets to stock cans was also dissipating, as high-end outlets saw the benefits, he added.

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