11 Craft Breweries Worth A Visit in and Around Johannesburg

Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, Backwards Bean Brewery’s process is all about quality and consistency. Beers are available to purchase via their Facebook page or from a variety of stockists. The Beagle English pale ale is a favourite and they’ve recently added a Kingslayer IPA and red ale to the list.

Backwards Bean Brewery, Sivewright Avenue, Maboneng, Johannesburg, South Africa

Inmind Brewing Company was established by father-and-son duo Trevor and Vernon Prinsloo in 2014. Both recall fond memories of beer; Trevor remembers brewing pineapple beer as a student, while Vernon often watched his grandfather brew ginger beer using split raisins. Inmind Brewing Company produces two beers, their Lone lager and IBC ale, both of which are available at various liquor stores across the country.

Inmind Brewing Company, Unit 2, 172 Bernie Street, Kya Sand, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 11 708 2255

Inmind Brewing Company’s two beers are created using only the best ingredients | Courtesy of Inmind Brewing Company

If you love a good stout then Just Brewing Company’s chocolate coffee stout is right up your alley. For those who prefer their beer on the lighter side, the pale ale is a must. The Boksburg-based brewery was established in 2014 and has five delicious beers that don their label. Brewery tours take place once a month, cost R40 (US$3) and include a free pint.

Just Brewing Company, 220 van Dyk Road, Boksburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 83 285 879

Optimum Craft Brewery is a family-run business which opened in 2016 and started off with a DIY beer brewing kit. Equipment was upgraded, recipes created and tested and, soon after, beers were being bottled and sold. Their two beers, Headless Huntsman (an amber ale) and The Dictator (an IPA), will soon be joined by a third; the Buxom Barmaid.

Optimum Craft Beer Brewery, Unit 75, Trevallyn Park, c/o River Road & Hyskraan Close, Kya Sand, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 83 327 7930

Black Horse Distillery and Brewery was started in 2012 just outside Johannesburg in the picturesque Magaliesburg. They have a wide variety of beers, from an infused ginger ale to a stable weiss. Then of course there’s the on-site gin distillery, restaurant and accommodation options – so making a weekend of it is a no-brainer.

Mad Giant boasts four beers (pilsner, weiss, pale ale and amber ale), all served in a beautifully decorated, industrial-style brewery-slash-restaurant. Patrons can order delicious Asian-inspired eats from Urbanologi, Mad Giant’s sister restaurant, while tasting the exciting beers on offer.

Most famous for its Soweto Gold lager, this brewery – situated in the township – was established in 2012 and has continued to impress its loyal following. From their Apple ale to the Orlando stout, co-owners Ndumiso Madlala and Sello Ditjoe have grown Soweto Gold into a household name. A trip to Soweto is unforgettable and The Kasi Beer Garden at the Ubuntu Kraal Brewery, home of Soweto Gold, offers beer tastings and brewery tours, as well as meet-and-greets with the team behind the iconic brand.

Ubuntu Kraal Brewery, 111846 Senokoanyana Street, Orlando West Ext., Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 72 867 29 53

A day outing at its best, Gilroy’s Brewery is one of those spots where guests pop in for one beer and end up staying for hours. There’s great food, live music and a bustling atmosphere, with amazing craft beer to complement it all. On Saturdays at 11am guests can book a brewery experience with Steve Gilroy himself. He’ll share his impressive knowledge, add some humour to the mix and guests will get to taste the four beers under Gilroy’s label.

Find them by travelling on the R114 (Muldersdrift/Diepsloot) and look out for the Ngwenya Village, close to the N14/Beyers Naude ramps, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 11 796 3020

Gilroy’s Brewery is a bustling venue where guests can spend hours on end | © Yutacar/Unsplash

Brewhogs has come a long way since its initial establishment in 1985. The brewery initially opened as an attraction in Gold Reef City before moving to The World of Beer in Newtown. Today the brewery is found in Kyalami and creates classic beers without any artificial flavouring, colouring or preservatives. The taproom is open for tastings on Fridays from 3-6pm.

Brewhogs, Unit 50, Barbeque Corner, Dytchley Road, Barbeque Downs, Kyalami, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 11 466 0746

Oakes Brew House was established in 2013 and claims the title of the first women-only brewery in the country. Delia Bailey and Thea Blom took the plunge and opened a craft beer brewery with Happy Sekanka as their head brewer. She’s a young, black brewmaster and a force to be reckoned with within this male-dominated industry. The brewery produces four beers – a weiss, an American pale ale, a stout and a blonde – all of which are available for purchase, as well as on tap at Oakes Brew House.

Oakes Brew House, 101 High Street, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 72 211 1281

Oakes Brew House is solely run by females, making it one of a kind | © Frank Luca/Unsplash