South African National Beer Trophy

Welcome, beer enthusiasts and industry professionals, to the highly anticipated South African National Beer Trophy 2024! 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

BEER OF THE YEAR 2024: Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.’s “The Garth Father”

Press Release
For Immediate Release
National Beer Trophy 2024: Celebrating the Best of South African Brewing

Cape Town, November 28, 2024 – The 10th edition of the South African National Beer Trophy (SANBT) concluded with an extraordinary showcase of South Africa’s diverse and thriving beer culture. Organized since 2015 by William and Jean-Vincent Ridon in partnership with the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), the SANBT has established itself as the largest competition exclusively dedicated to South African beers. This year, nearly 200 entries were judged by BJCP-certified judges and international sommeliers, culminating in an unforgettable black-tie beer pairing dinner and awards ceremony at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town.

The evening was co-hosted by Charlene Louw, CEO of BASA, and Jean-Vincent Ridon, current South African Best Sommelier. Brewers from across South Africa, including large national brands like SAB (South African Breweries) and Heineken, craft breweries, and for the first time, United National Breweries the Chibuku, Umqombothi producers, came together to compete for top honors.

“This year’s competition highlighted the remarkable quality, creativity, and diversity of South African brewing,” said Jean-Vincent Ridon. “From traditional Umqombothi to zero-alcohol and specialty craft beers, the SANBT reflects the depth of beer culture in our country.”

2024 Trophy and Gold Medal Winners

The competition celebrated excellence across all beer styles, with Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.’s “The Garth Father” taking the coveted Beer of the Year Trophy.

  • Best Light Beer: Castle Lager – ABInBev (SAB)
  • Best Dark Beer & Beer of the Year: The Garth Father – Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.
  • Umqombothi Trophy (BASA): Chibuku Super – United National Breweries
  • Best Sour Beer: Hibiscus-Citrus Sour – ClockWork Brewhouse
  • Best Wheat Beer: Good Adweiss – That Brewing Co.
  • BASA No-Alcohol Trophy: Heineken 0.0% – Heineken
  • Best Specialty Beer: Sweet Mary Jane – Woodstock Brewery
  • BASA Low-Alcohol Trophy: Session 157 – Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.
  • Best Hoppy Beer: Big Hitter – That Brewing Co.

Diverse Industry Representation

The winners represent the rich diversity of South Africa’s brewing industry, from large-scale brewers to boutique craft producers, and now traditional Umqombothi makers. Notable highlights included Heineken 0.0% winning the no-alcohol category and a Quadruple Belgian-style beer at 10% ABV taking Beer of the Year, showcasing the spectrum of South Africa’s beer innovation.

Medallists Reflect Excellence

The competition awarded gold and silver medals to beers that demonstrated exceptional quality. Some Breweries shined with more than multiple gold medals:

  • Afro Caribbean Brewing Co.
  • Woodstock Brewery
  • Cape Brewing Co.
  • Darling Brew
  • Brew Hogs
  • That Brewing Co.
  • Mad Giant Brewery

Advancing South African Beer Culture

In partnership with BASA, the SANBT works to elevate beer’s positioning within the hospitality sector and promote its premium value. “The SANBT aligns with BASA’s mission to celebrate and grow South Africa’s rich beer culture,” said Charlene Louw. “This year’s competition demonstrates the industry’s extraordinary talent and innovation.”


The entry forms will be sent to the breweries directly. But you can contact us on sanbtrophy@gmail.com. A trophy will be awarded to the winning non-alcoholic beer (<0.5% ABV) and for the winning low alcohol beer (<3.9% ABV) in order to support responsible drinking. The SANBT will waiver entry fee for these two categories. The ‘NO or LOW’ Trophies will pave the way for quality recognition of these beers.

#DrinkBetterBeer

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 flavours 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 2024 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 2024 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 2024 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 2024 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 2024. 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.

GALLERY

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Contact us

Tel: 021 422 5206

Inquiries: sanbtrophy@gmail.com