With over 2.9 billion litres enjoyed annually, the debate over South Africa’s best beer is a staple at every braai. Whether it’s a classic Castle or a Cape Town craft IPA, everyone has a favourite.
While “best” is subjective, this guide uses years of market analysis to rank top contenders by flavour, quality, and value. It’s your definitive guide to choosing the finest brews South Africa has to offer.
How We Ranked the Best Beers in South Africa
To provide a truly useful ranking, I established a clear set of criteria. A beer had to perform well across multiple areas to make this list:
- International and Local Awards: Recognition from bodies like the African Beer Cup and the South African National Beer Trophy carries significant weight.
- Sales Volume and Market Presence: A beer cannot be the “best” if it’s impossible to find. We considered national availability and popularity.
- Expert Tasting Panel: I consulted with certified beer judges and industry experts to get their professional take on flavour profile, balance, and technical quality.
- Public Ratings: We analysed data from platforms like Untappd and other consumer review sites to gauge what real drinkers think.
The Reigning Champions: South Africa’s Most Popular Commercial Beers
These are the giants of the industry. They are household names for a reason: consistency, widespread availability, and a flavour profile that appeals to the majority of South Africans.
Castle Lager: The National Icon
It’s impossible to discuss South African beer without starting with Castle Lager. Brewed since 1895, it is more than a drink; it’s a part of the national identity. This is a classic South African lager, known for its crisp, clean taste with a mild hop bitterness and a hint of grainy sweetness.
- Flavour Profile: Balanced, slightly malty, with a clean finish.
- Best For: A braai, watching the rugby, or any social gathering. It’s the ultimate session beer.
- ABV: 5%
Carling Black Label: The Champion’s Choice
Marketed with the tagline “Zamalek,” Carling Black Label has built a reputation as a beer with character. It has a slightly fuller body and more pronounced flavour than many of its competitors, earning it numerous international awards. It’s a beer for those who want a little more punch from their lager.
- Flavour Profile: Full-bodied, malty, with a rewarding and satisfying finish.
- Best For: When you want a beer with a bit more substance and flavour.
- ABV: 5.5%
Windhoek Lager: The German Purity Law in Africa
Brewed in neighbouring Namibia but a firm favourite in South Africa, Windhoek Lager is famous for adhering to the Reinheitsgebot of 1516. This German Purity Law means it is brewed with only three ingredients: malted barley, hops, and water.
- Flavour Profile: Crisp, clean, with a distinct hop aroma and no lingering aftertaste.
- Best For: A hot day when you need something exceptionally refreshing.
- ABV: 4%
The Craft Revolution: South Africa’s Top Craft Beers
The craft beer movement has fundamentally changed South Africa’s beer scene. Independent breweries are producing innovative, flavourful beers that challenge the dominance of the macro-breweries.
Devil’s Peak King’s Blockhouse IPA: The Hop Pioneer
When it comes to the India Pale Ale (IPA) style in South Africa, Devil’s Peak is a leader. The King’s Blockhouse IPA is an American-style IPA bursting with tropical fruit and citrus notes, balanced by a firm bitterness.
- Flavour Profile: Strong notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and pine with a lasting bitter finish.
- Best For: Hop lovers and those looking to explore a more complex, flavour-forward beer.
- ABV: 6%
Jack Black’s Brewers Lager: The Gateway Craft Beer
For many, Jack Black’s Brewers Lager is their first step into the world of craft beer. It takes the familiar lager style and elevates it with higher quality ingredients and a more refined flavour profile.
- Flavour Profile: Crisp maltiness with a subtle, spicy hop aroma. Perfectly balanced.
- Best For: Someone who enjoys Castle or Windhoek but wants to try a craft alternative.
- ABV: 5%
CBC Amber Weiss: A Bavarian Masterpiece from the Cape
Cape Brewing Company (CBC) is known for its German-style beers, and their Amber Weiss is a prime example of their expertise. This is a Hefeweizen-style beer with distinctive notes of banana and clove.
- Flavour Profile: Fruity (banana) and spicy (clove) esters from the yeast, with a smooth, wheaty body.
- Best For: Pairing with food, especially weisswurst or chicken dishes.
- ABV: 5.2%
Niche & Notable: Beers You Shouldn’t Overlook
While the mainstream giants and craft pioneers dominate most conversations, the South African market is also home to specialized brews that cater to specific tastes and traditions. These selections represent the “best-in-class” for those seeking something beyond a standard lager—whether you are looking for fewer calories, a non-alcoholic alternative, or a specific functional profile. These beers prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality when choosing a niche option.
Best Light Beer: Castle Lite
Castle Lite dominates the light beer category for a reason. It is extra cold-lagered, resulting in a uniquely crisp profile that is incredibly easy to drink.
- Flavour Profile: Very light, crisp, and clean with minimal bitterness.
- Best For: Calorie-conscious drinkers or as a light refreshment on a very hot day.
- ABV: 4%
Best Non-Alcoholic Beer: Devil’s Peak Hero
The non-alcoholic space has improved dramatically, and Devil’s Peak Hero is leading the charge. Unlike many of its predecessors, Hero has a genuine beer flavour with a pleasant, subtle fruitiness.
- Flavour Profile: Lightly fruity, grainy, and clean with very low bitterness.
- Best For: The designated driver or anyone looking to reduce alcohol intake.
- ABV: <0.5%
How to Choose the Right South African Beer for You
Finding the right beer is about more than just picking a label off a shelf; it’s about matching the brew to your personal taste and the environment you’re in. With hundreds of local options ranging from heritage lagers to experimental ales, the “best” beer is ultimately the one that hits the spot in the moment. To help you narrow down the sea of choices, consider these three fundamental pillars: the brewing style, the setting, and your own flavour preferences.
Understand Your Palate: Lager vs. Ale
Choosing the right brew starts with understanding the two main families of beer, which are defined primarily by the type of yeast used and the temperature at which they are fermented.
- Lagers (Castle, Windhoek, Black Label) are fermented at cooler temperatures. They are typically lighter, crisper, and cleaner.
- Ales (IPAs, Weissbiers, Stouts) are fermented at warmer temperatures. They are generally more complex, with more fruity and spicy notes.
Consider the Occasion
The environment and atmosphere play a massive role in how you experience a beer, so it helps to select a brew that complements your current activity.
- Braai or Party: You need a “session beer” – one you can drink several of without palate fatigue. Castle Lager or Jack Black’s Lager are perfect.
- Food Pairing: A complex beer like a CBC Amber Weiss can complement a meal, while a robust IPA like King’s Blockhouse can stand up to spicy food.
Ready to Find Your New Favourite?
The South African beer scene offers something for everyone. From time-honoured lagers to bold craft brews, the quality has never been better. Your perfect beer is out there, and the fun part is the journey of finding it! Next time you’re at your local bottle store or taproom, step outside your comfort zone and try one of the contenders from this list. Whether it’s a crisp classic or a daring new craft, your next “best” beer is waiting to be discovered. Cheers to the hunt!
FAQs
What is the most popular beer in South Africa?
Carling Black Label is consistently the best-selling beer brand by volume in South Africa, closely followed by Castle Lager.
Is beer cheap in South Africa?
Compared to many Western countries, beer in South Africa is relatively affordable, especially commercial brands. Craft beer is more expensive but usually comparable to the price of a mid-range bottle of wine.
What is the strongest beer in South Africa?
One of the strongest widely available beers is the Castle Milk Stout (6% ABV). However, craft breweries often produce limited releases that exceed 10% ABV.
Which province has the best craft beer?
The Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, is widely regarded as the epicentre of the craft beer scene with the highest concentration of award-winning breweries.
