There’s something magical about watching the sunset in the Karoo.
All around you a hushed silence descends as the sun casts its last orange rays across your face.
In the distance, a Kudu kicks up faint clouds of dust as a troop of baboons holler their goodnight from a nearby koppie.
Above you, a canopy of stars flickers merrily as the last light of day slowly falls away.
Awed by the simple majesty of the landscape, you remember, life’s greatest experiences are the ones we share.
At Karoo Craft Breweries, we believe in sharing a little piece of this experience.
Whether you are standing around a braai in your backyard or after a hard day at the office,
why not take a little trip with us to a place where time is only measured by the steady beat of a Windpomp.
So go on, experience the true taste of the Karoo!
Situated on the premises of Simonsvlei Winery, Karoo Craft Breweries is fronted by a team with years of experience and a support network of specialist suppliers. Karoo Craft Breweries was established to provide a top of the line craft brewery solution in 2016 and in 2017 started producing their own range of beers. With a secret recipe they developed their own beers that are found in many restaurants and liquor stores. They also have a Tap Room and Bistro inside the brewery itself, so pop in to visit and taste their beers.
Welcome to the team of Karoo Craft Breweries!
We would like to introduce our team which produces a cold one to the public wherever they are!
Managing Director
Jannie grew up on a deciduous fruit farm in Tulbagh and after he matriculated at Tulbagh High School, he conducted his studies at the University of Stellenbosch where he graduated in 2001 with Viticulture and Oenology as main subjects. He then continued with Viticulture as main subject and obtained his Hons B Sc Agric degree in 2002. Interestingly, Jannie then started his career at Simonsvlei Winery (where Karoo Craft Breweries is currently situated) as Winemaker at the end of 2002 and in 2004, started to fulfill the role as Viticulturist for Simonsvlei Winery. During the time that he worked for a Paarl based company in 2014 – 2016 as a Technical Specialist for wine adjuvants, he was also responsible for selling beer equipment to the Craft Beer Industry. Jannie is the co-founder of Karoo Craft Breweries which started to operate in August 2016 as a contract brewing facility and in 2017 started to make their own range of beers.
Head Brewer
Growing up in Albertinia on a family farm and matriculated from Oakdale Agricultural High School, achieving a BSc degree in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology at the University of Stellenbosch in 2015. After his studies he worked on the farm where they produced barley and wheat as part of operations and started his journey in the beer industry. He started in December 2016 as the Junior Brewer at Karoo Craft Breweries and got promoted to the Head Brewer along the way.
Assistant Brewer
His journey started off by home brewing during his time at the University of the Western Cape where he was studying conservation and microbiology. This is where he quickly discovered that his true aspirations were to produce world class beer. Following this he completed his certificate in Brewing from IBD (Institute of Brewing and Distilling). Thus leading him to Soul Barrel Brewing Company. A Small craft brewery just outside of Franschhoek, where he would hone his craft, skills and passion for making world class locally produced beer. As well as currently completing his Diploma in Brewing from IBD. Since 2023 brewing as a young brewer for Karoo Craft Breweries it has allowed him to merge his two passions, nature conservation and producing world class locally inspired beers.
Brewery Assistant
Sam was born in Gugulethu and moved to Nyanga and then Paarl. He was in School in Paarl, Mbekweni and after, he studied at CPUT. Working through Spur, Shoprite and Woolworths he started in 2021 at Karoo Craft Breweries as a Brewery assistant.
At Karoo Craft Breweries we believe that a great beer consists of more than just the sum of its parts. Our flavoursome beers are crafted with the highest quality ingredients, dedication and passion.
As majestic as the Kudu, this Lager proves why it’s the leading beer style for the discerning South African market.
Crisp, refreshing and light, yet bursting with flavor.
As sly as the Jackal, this crafty IPA satisfies from the first sip. Not for the faint-hearted.
Tropical flavors blend in with a strong malt presence to aid in giving the beer a well balanced taste.
As distinctive as the Oryx walking the dry, hot Karoo, this fruity Weiss is a refreshing take on a beloved classic.
Fruity with Pear, Banana, Bubblegum and subtle flavor of Cloves.
As adaptable as the Impala, we are confident that this refreshingly fruity Ale will fit any beer lover’s daily routine.
Fruity with Citrus, Passion Fruit and a subtle lingering bitterness that is ideal to quench any thirst.
As bold and rebellious as the Ram, this full-bodied beer is a perfect companion for any time of the day.
Dark, Rich and Creamy Bursting with notes of Dark Chocolate and Roasted Coffee.
As colossal as the Rhino, this low-alcohol Lager punches way above its weight class with a lovely malt body followed by that crisp refreshing finish. The perfect beer for those hot summer days.
Malty, refreshing and light, yet packed full of that local flavour.
440ml Bottles - 2 x Rhino Lager, 2 x Kudu Lager, 2 x Oryx Weiss, 2 x Ram Stout, 2 x Jackel IPA, 2 x Impala APA
