Where to find some of the best craft beer

Beers named after Rodriguez, Guns N Roses, Trainspotting

Last updated: 3 October 2024

Some of the best craft beers come from Woodstock Brewery (it’s not just because their brews are inspired by sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll). They’re shining a light on an underrated suburb by turning an old paint factory in Woodstock into one of South Africa’s top breweries, with a Bavarian beerhall that hosts epic live music gigs, birthday parties, team functions and more. 

Woodstock Brewery founder Andre Viljoen bought the building online, while living in Korea. Image: Woodstock Brewery

FOR BEER LOVERS BY BEER LOVERS

Co-owner Andre Viljoen founded the brewery, taproom and restaurant about 10 years ago, while he was working as a banker abroad. 

The brewery is filled with giant fermenting tanks that tower over you, with the smell of sweet malt filling the space. You can book a tour of the brewery and learn all about the rich history of the building, or just chill at the beerhall and try some of the brews.

You’ll find all sorts of folks hanging out here, from beer nerds to live music lovers, and in the last year the brewery has become well known as a live music and events venue. 

A two-storey building with the brewery on the ground floor. Image: Woodstock Brewery

YOU’LL LOVE THE CHEEKY BREWS

Ultimately it’s about good beers, the names of which have a sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll theme. There are seven core craft beers available, each one cheekier than the last. 

Born Slippy, the lager and best-selling brew named after an Underworld song made famous in Trainspotting; Mr Brownstone is the hazelnut brown ale inspired by a Guns N Roses track about heroin; and Rhythm Stick, an award winning Pale Ale inspired by the hit song from rock band The Blockheads, about… well… you can guess. 

The craft beers are available at most retail and independent liquor stores. Image: Woodstock Brewery

IPAS & SPECIALITY BEERS NAMES AFTER A LEGEND

IPA lovers will appreciate that Woodstock Brewery has two to try, depending on how you’re feeling. 

Slice of Life is super sessionable (meaning its lighter and more easily drinkable) with a zesty lemony taste; and Californicator is crafted in the style of India Pale Ales from the US Pacific Coast and is 6.5% ABV. 

There’s also two specialty brews, both named after legendary singer songwriter Rodriguez. Sugarman (with a complex, spiced dark rum flavour, similar to the dark history of the singer) and Sweet Mary Jane (a semi-sweet indulgence with notes of clove and Belgian spice).

There are also small batch brews available sometimes. Image: Woodstock Brewery

TASTE UP TO 9 CRAFT BEERS

The tasting tray is a great way to explore different flavours and find a beer you love, whether you’re losing your beer-ginity or you’re just a massive beer fan. You can taste all nine beers on tap, or customise your tasting mat according to how many you want to taste. It’s R12 per 100ml taster glass.

You can also book a tour of the brewery. Learn about the old paint factory turned brewery and gain great insight into the beer-making process, like how different types of beers are brewed and the difference between canned and bottled beer.

Find out more about Woodstock Brewery’s beer tasting and tours.

There’s a description about each beer on the tasting menu. Image: Woodstock Brewery

WATCH LIVE MUSIC & BIG GAMES 

The Bavarian-style beerhall has the look and feel of Oktoberfest. Umbrellas cascade from the ceiling and bright murals and artworks pop from the brick walls. There are loads of seating options, with bar seats, large benches and a balcony overlooking Albert Road.

The beerhall also has four TVs and a 2.5m x 4m screen for major sport events. 

Major names like Arno Cartens and Prime Circle have performed in the beerhall, while the odd tribute show or Halloween bash is hosted there, too. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows. 

What better way to rock out to local musicians than with a beer named after a classic rock ‘n roll song? Image: Woodstock Brewery

CHECK OUT THE DAILY FOOD SPECIALS

Beers and burgers – name a better combo. Woodstock Brewery has loads of easy-does-it comfort foods that go well with any of their craft beers: Smoked brisket, chicken zinger burger, wings, loaded fries with smokey bacon and cheese sauce… 

There are also daily specials like 2-for-1 burgers on Mondays, 2-for-1 chicken schnitzels on Wednesdays, Friday curry special and more.

There’s a kiddies menu too. Image: Woodstock Brewery

BOOK IT FOR FUNCTIONS (OR RENT A KEG)

The beerhall is up for grabs for any corporate or private event – birthdays, year ends, bachelor/ettes, team-building or networking. 

Albert Road is one of the busiest and most vibrant roads in Woodstock, which makes the balcony a great spot to drink beer and celebrate at a bachelor or birthday party. It can take up to 200 people canape style or 150 people sit down. 

You could also bring Woodstock Brewery to you. If you need a keg for a wedding, birthday bash or even a lekker braai over the weekend, you can rent the tap dispensing system and buy a keg or two. 

Pop in for a tasting, select which beers you’d like and they’ll bring it to your venue and help set up. Or you can pick it up yourself and they’ll show you how it works. 

Call to book an event. Image: Woodstock Brewery

GET IN TOUCH WITH WOODSTOCK BREWERY

Woodstock Brewery is open: Daily, 12pm - 10pm
Find it: 252 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Contact on: 021 203 3045, @woodstockbrewery

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