Photo: Jaco Kersop, head brewer at Famous Brew & Still in Bloemfontein.

On 10 February 2023, the Central University of Technology, in collaboration with the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), Brew Routes and the Free State Gambling, Liquor & Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) embarked on a beer journey through the heart of Bloemfontein visiting local breweries. CUT’s pride and passion for beer are undeniable since the university’s annual beer and food pairing event is a highlight on Bloemfontein’s social calendar, and the teams have won several awards for their beer crafting during the Intervarsitybrew.

The first stop on the tour was the Famous Brew & Still, located in Westdene, then an informative tour at the Naval Hill, East End Brewery and the last stop was, of course, CUT’s brewery. For most participants on the beer journey, it was a new and exciting experience to learn about different types of beers and the science behind how beer is crafted.

According to Troye May, a BASA representative, the main purpose of the beer tour was for the Inaugural Beers Bloem Brewers Launch, which aims to break the stereotype around how most people perceive beer. Mr May mentioned that the tour gave positive results as people showed interest, hunger and excitement to learn more about beer crafting.

Photo: The tourism team from FSGLTA enjoying their brewed beers.

Lehlohonolo Ndidi, a Tourism intern from the Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), said that the tour was illuminating as it allowed them to learn about the breweries around town and how they operate. “Local businesses such as the breweries we visited today serve as tourist attractions for people in and outside Bloemfontein. Also, the history behind the Naval Hill and how it came about took most of us by surprise, I feel that the tour was necessary’’, he said.