SAB World of Beer launches inaugural National Craft Brewers Championship

The first of its kind in the country, the competition calls on all professional craft brewers to submit their entries online from now until 1 October 2013 in order to qualify.

Only beers that are brewed within the borders of SA will be eligible for entry. Participating beers also need to have been available in stores or showcased at a recognised craft beer festival. Up to three beers can be entered, they should adhere to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines and must be entered as a specific style as per the competition rules.

Event organiser Sean Watts said: "Until now, awards have generally been limited to festivals. This will be the first time that any commercial brewer, anywhere in the country, can submit their beers to be judged by a qualified panel. The beers are evaluated for their sensory-based qualities and are measured against a set of parameters."

Judges from all corners of South Africa have been selected to form part of the judging panel. The finalists will be announced on the 28th of October; the final winners will be honoured at a dinner event on Friday, the 8th of November to be held at the World of Beer.

SAB World of Beer manager Clive Mooi said: "This competition not only underlines our commitment to the development of the beer culture in South Africa, but also showcases the art and science behind beer making which are confident will be displayed by competing brewers."

"We are very proud to be part of the initiative as it is the first recognised competition of its kind at a national level. It is our hope that it will bring about the best of the best," he said.

About the SAB World of Beer

The SAB World of Beer was opened on 15 May 1995 by former president Nelson Mandela. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction and conferencing venue, winning SA Tourism's 'Best Attraction' award in 2009 and 2011 and achieving a five star rating for its conferencing facilities. Situated in the heart of the Newton Cultural Precinct in Johannesburg, the World of Beer is the home of beer culture in South Africa.

The World of Beer is open for tours from 1000 to 1800 on Tuesday through to Saturday. Tours cost R55 per person and include two beers, a commemorative glass, and a tour guide.

A competitively priced conferencing package is also available, and the World of Beer's conferencing facilities have repeatedly been used by a number of blue-chip clients, including Anglo Gold, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABI, Gijima and various government departments, including SA Tourism and Gauteng Tourism.

The SAB World of Beer is affiliated to SAACI, SATSA and Fedhasa.