South Africa’s newest brewery: Triggerfish in Somerset West

Posted on 5 July 2011

A duo of perfectly hopped American-style ales, a light and easy-drinking Blonde Ale and a rich, velvety stout with coffee and chocolate on the nose and palate. These might sound like the tasting notes from a beer magazine in a country far from SA, but in fact if you’re in Cape Town, these beers are now available right on your doorstep. Not only that – they’re made right on your doorstep.

Triggerfish is South Africa’s newest craft brewery, based just outside Somerset West. Passionate brewer Eric Van der Heerden started as an avid Southyeasters member, making beers at home before perfecting his beer knowledge and brewing techniques with a year sipping in the USA. He has now brought a little of the American passion for fine beer to South Africa.

The rich, chocolaty Empowered Stout is a perfect winter warmer, pairing well with fruit cake and dark chocolate (and a perfect companion for a giant bar of Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut), but if you prefer something a little lighter, the Sweetlips Blonde Ale is a fine introduction to craft beers and the perfect transition for lager lovers. For me though, it’s the hoppy, slightly fruity Roman Red Ale that takes the crown. Serve with strong, hard cheeses such as Klein River Gruyere or Drunken Pecorino (available at The Real Cheese in Obs). If you’re thirsty but not peckish, I find the Roman Red also pairs well with a second or third pint of the same”¦

Triggerfish beers are now available on tap and in bottles at the brewery, where you can chat to Eric, whose passion for beer is as contagious as his pints are moreish. If you don’t want to make the hike to Somerset West, the beers, with their eye-catching labels, are now on sale at Roeland Liquors in Roeland Street, Cape Town. Triggerfish is going to change the way Capetonians drink. You read it here first.

The Tipsy Traveller (aka Lucy Corne) is currently on a trip to Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, along with her fiancé, 12 litres of homebrew and a variety of other booze. She’ll be back at the end of July.






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