Introducing the South African National Beer Trophy: Celebrating Excellence in South African Brews
Welcome, beer enthusiasts and industry professionals, to the annual South African National Beer Trophy! As the largest beer competition dedicated solely to beers brewed in South Africa, we are thrilled to invite you to join us on this incredible journey, celebrating the art and craftsmanship of our country’s finest brewers.
In partnership with BASA
A trophy will be awarded to the winning non-alcoholic beer (<0.5% ABV) and for the winning low alcohol beer (<3.9% ABV) so your best brews can shine in these sub-categories of the 2021 BJCP guidelines.
The ‘NO or LOW’ Trophies will pave the way for quality recognition of these beers.
May the best beers shine!
#DrinkBetterBeer
#SANBT2025
Inquiries: sanbtrophy@gmail.com
About the Competition:
The South African National Beer Trophy is an annual event that brings together passionate brewers, judges, sommeliers, and beer lovers from across the nation. Our primary goal is to recognize and reward the outstanding talent within the South African professional brewing community while promoting the growth and responsible development of the local beer industry.
Competition Format:
This year’s competition follows the guidelines set by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), ensuring a fair and standardized evaluation process. Professional brewers from all over South Africa are invited to submit their exceptional brews across various categories, showcasing the diverse range of styles and flavors that define our nation’s brewing scene. Needless to say that beers will be assessed anonymously.
The Grand Finale:
Culminating in a spectacular grand “Best of Show” event, the South African National Beer Trophy will bring together brewers, industry professionals, and beer enthusiasts for an unforgettable last round of judging. The awards ceremony will honour the remarkable achievements of the winners while fostering networking opportunities and promoting collaboration within the brewing community.
Categories and Criteria:
The South African National Beer Trophy will feature an extensive list of categories based on the BJCP 2021 categories, encompassing a wide range of beer styles, including traditional, hybrid, and experimental brews. Each category will be evaluated based on the BJCP guidelines, assessing factors such as aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel, and overall impression. By adhering to these rigorous criteria, we ensure the highest standards are met when recognizing the best beers in South Africa.
Expert Panel of Judges:
To ensure the highest level of expertise and integrity, we have assembled a panel of seasoned judges, consisting of certified BJCP judges, experienced brewers, industry professionals, and respected sommeliers. Their extensive knowledge and discerning palates will guide the evaluation process, guaranteeing fair and impartial judging for all entries.
Our BJCP Judges list will meet the number of entries to make sure we have the best quality of judging for this edition.
Over the years we invited certified sommeliers to give more visibility to the world of beers into the restaurants.
Sommeliers Academy is a partner of the National Beer Trophy.
Celebrating Excellence:
As the competition progresses, we will highlight exceptional breweries, showcase the award-winning beers, and share insights from the judges. This celebration of excellence will not only recognize the winners but also provide valuable feedback to participants, enabling them to refine their craft and continue pushing the boundaries of South African beer innovation.
Get Involved:
Whether you are a brewery, a BJCP certified judge, or simply curious about the world of South African beer, we encourage you to participate in the South African National Beer Trophy. Brewers can submit their exceptional brews, while beer enthusiasts can follow us in celebrating the diversity and excellence of our local beer scene. Stay updated by visiting our website, following our social media channels for the latest news, updates, and important dates.