One of the world’s most exciting breweries, Oakham Ales are about to land on South African shores and straight onto the taps and shelves of Beerhouse On Long and Beerhouse Fourways. Their beers, like other imports before them, will really show SA Beerlovers the international standard, and also just how far our local breweries have come. I personally started my journey in Beerland with their exceptional single- hopped pale ale Oakham Citra. After growing up with hot country lagers produced by large companies that had a legally binding requirement to increase profits, I stood hesitantly in front of a bottle of Citra in the UK four years ago. Curiosity got the better of me, even though I had always thought English Beer was warm piss. As it touched my lips I had a cloud -parting, light-shining moment of clarity. Beer could produce an amazingly complex journey of flavour! After the grapefruit punch I was
soothed by litchies, and finished off with a dry bitter conclusion that left me gagging for more. So I had some more, and there and then I was awakened to the wonderful world of ales with malt stages danced upon by balletic hops and yeast flavours.
I became a firm supporter of Oakham Ales and their exciting, playful range of beers. The Citra’s older brother, the Green Devil IPA is a single-hopped IPA also using the Citra hop. The Green Devil is a bench mark for anyone attempting to brew an IPA, and has recently rewarded with a Gold at the International Brewing Awards. Both these beers will be available in bottle at both Beerhouses as of May.
We will also be showcasing some of Oakhams kegged range of beers. First up will be the Nekomata American Pale ale and the the Krakens Ink Black IPA, just in time for the winter months.
Oakham is not the first world-class brewery to identify SA as a developing beer market that is searching for the world’s best beers. Fullers, Brewdog, Harviestoun and Rogue have all been benchmarks for us Beerlovers. Now we welcome Oakham to the fold. If you love beer, you will love their beers, of that I am sure.
Stay Thirsty Stay Curious.
