Pretoria Travel Forum

I will be sping at least a week in Pretoria. I just wanted to know if the local beer was good? Is there a special beer that I should try while there?

I don’t know about any “local” shumba per say but Castle is rather good. Anyway, never mind what’s “good” just try anything for the unique experience. There are some African beers, sold in tetra-pack milk cartons that are sheer poison but must be tried if you want to understand the country. Bring a vomit bag and be daring!

Castle, definitely, Carling Black Label and also try Windhoek Lager (as well as Windhoek Light). You can also give Castle Milk Stout a go.

"Johanisweg" is now living in Aussie, but I know for sure that he is missing South African beer. I agree with him fully on the brands to try, and you can get most worlwide popular beer at our local bottle stores. South African Breweries are the 3rd biggest breweries in the world...In the local pubs, Castle draught is also very popular.Black Lable has recently taken over as the top selling beer.Casle had this record previously.

I have lived here my whole life, and have as yet,not tried one of the "Carton Beers"...I am not brave enough.

I am sure you will enjoy your trip

Regards

Mike

Of course the best thing about our beer is the price. At ca US$ 1.50 a beer in a restaurant it is a steal compared to just about anywhere else, expect to pay half in a booze shop. Also the sorgum beer refered to is not bad at all if you try the commercial type. Make sure it is fresh though as it is a short shelf life product but it has a clean fresh taste which is different than a clear beer but not unacceptable at all.

Gotta agree. Castle rocks!

I actually did not like Castle at all and the rest of the time I just avoided it. Hansa Pilsener was much better and Hansa Gold was good as well.
The problem that they are not available everywhere so then thank goodness the Namibian Windhoek lager is also available in most places.

Yep, Windhoek is good.

Castle's a good choice. So are the Hansa beers already mentioned.

Got to try some Cane and Coke, Klippies and Coke - then go whole hog for a Witsblitz!!!

Good onya Gillybob! Just so that ccmusic know what you're talking about, witblits is an Afrikaans word meaning white (wit) lightning (blits). I think South Africa has just over 100 licensed distilleries. A clear liquid with an alcohol content above 40% and distilled from grapes. Eina!
Mampoer, another Afrikaans word, refers to a liquid derived from fermented and distilled fruits.
Don't drive!

When returning to my second home, I always stock up on Mainstay and Klipdrift - and then I'm a good girl and make it last till my next trip!