A legendary African brewery
A West Coast Way road trip could never be complete without a refreshing cold one from Darling Brew.
Come celebrate the transcendence of African craft beer with these five things to do at Darling Brew.
1. Say Cheers! Taste the best craft beer in Africa
The heart of Darling Brew lies in none other than quaint Darling, surrounded by wildlife and the rolling hills of Darling, this brewery has widely been acknowledged as Africa’s very first carbon-neutral brewery and one of the best local craft beers in the country. In 2021 Darling Brew earned the award of Best Local Craft Beer at the KFM Best of the Cape awards, and this year they have proved that they are still the best by taking home four medals at the 2022 African Beer Cup.
“These awards are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, especially our talented brewers who created these exceptional beers. Here’s to the craftsmanship, time, and sincere love of small-batch brewing that went into the Darling Brew beers that received a tip of the hat from the judges” – says Tewie Roos, Managing Director.
Roos believes that the Darling Brew brand is rooted in its strong team and the innovative spirit that runs through the veins of the business. This ethic of innovation has led the brand to open up various Tasterooms around the Western Cape because they know JUST how much road trippers enjoy a cold beer after a long day on the road.
Sit back and enjoy a Daring Brew experience wherever your Cape West Coast journey takes you. When venturing on the West Coast Way to the Darling Brew Tasteroom, and if you are making your way back home to Cape Town, be sure to make a stop at the Woodstock Tasteroom.
Tewie Roos, Managing Director Darling Brew
2. JUST try it – nationwide
Taste legendary beer with these Darling Brew lagers and new beer shandy:
The Rogue Pony – Pale Ale is one of Darling Brew’s most popular beers. This perfectly bold Pale Ale contains 5% alcohol with a malty base, fruity nose, perfectly mild bitterness, and a hoppy aroma which makes it a perfect choice for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
JUST beer is South Africa’s newest premium lager from Darling Drew – the quintessential everyday lager. This range includes JUST Beer, JUST Right, and JUST Naked, which contain 5.7%, 4.2%, and 0.00% alcohol respectively. “JUST one beer in 11 languages” for sure!
Darling Brew’s latest drink range is TJAILA Beer Shandy, available in three fruity flavours, Laidback Lemon, Groovy Grapefruit and Chilled Cherry. This refreshing beer shandy contains 2.6% alcohol making it perfect for tjaila time (anytime).
With over ten years of consistently putting its name on the map, this Cape West Coast-established brewery is a must-try for all locals and tourists.
Darling Brew beers are available for nationwide delivery from the Darling Brew Shop, at retailers across South Africa, and at Darling Brew Tasteroom in Darling, Woodstock in Cape Town, and Dorptoe in Bethlehem.
3. Support their sustainability journey
The Darling Brew sustainability journey stems from their passion for the conservation of the environment and wildlife. In becoming Africa’s first carbon-neutral brewery, they have calculated their carbon footprint according to a greenhouse gas audit. The carbon footprint is offset through a provider of all-rounded environmental sustainability solutions by the name of impactChoice.
In 2016 the brewery launched the first carbon-neutral beer in Africa, Blood Serpent. Blood Serpent paved the way for decarbonization and carbon neutrality within the African beer industry. The beer is also mutually celebrated as a brilliant innovation within the craft beer industry and towards sustainability in Africa.
Learn about endangered species
As a leading name in the craft beer industry, Darling Brew uses its platform to highlight the challenges South African animals continue to face. Inspired by endangered species, each core and seasonal beer is package designed and named after an animal on the endangered species list. These environmentally conscious beers that form part of the pack at Darling Brew consist of:
- Slow Beer – inspired by the geometric tortoise
- Bone Crusher – inspired by the spotted hyaena
- Warlord – inspired by the black rhino
- Gypsy Mask – inspired by the roan antelope
- Rogue Pony – inspired by the plains zebra
- Pixie Dust – inspired by the Cape honey bee
- Black Mist – inspired by Verreaux’s eagle
- Light Lager – inspired by the sungazer
- Arrow Head – Inspired by the Namaqua arrowhead
Take a look at the ‘Darling Brew Endangered Species List’ to learn about the origins and conservation status of these incredible animals.
4. Indulge in exclusive Darling Brew dishes
Darling Brew’s kitchen offer flavours that are on every foodie’s go-to list! Where else can food lovers enjoy flavoursome and locally produced meals? Head chef, Ryan Josten, ensures that every meal is served with the freshest and finest ingredients from the local community.
A fun experience lie in wait for the whole family at Darling Brew. While the kids decide whether they are going to nibble on Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites, Sticky Chicken Wings, or Nachos, the parents decide on whether a beer will go down best with Butter Chicken Curry, West Coast Mussels, or the DB Rump.
The Tasteroom in Darling offers a jungle gym to entertain the kids, beer tastings for over 18’s and an outside seating area for when visitors are seeking the crisp Weskus air.
5. Slow living meets adrenaline
Darling Brew just makes it so easy to catch a breath of fresh air! Whether “catching a breath of fresh air” is considered a trail run, mountain biking, a music festival, or guzzling down some beers, then Darling Brew is the bru for you.
Darling Brew Adventures brings visitors exclusive sport and craft beer events all around South Africa. In 2023 Darling Brew is set to host the Vine To Hop Trail Run, Brandkop MTB and Trail, Darling Brew Extreme, and Darling Brew Winter Festival.
Take a look at the ‘Darling Brew Events List’ to plan your next adventure with Darling Brew.
REMEMBER to allow life to thrive, so please DON’T drink and drive!
Find Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery on the West Coast Way Culture & Foodie Route.
THE #DBSHOP IS OPEN FOR NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES!
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery: 48 Caledon Street, Darling
Brewery, Restaurant, Tastings & Sales, open-air kids play area, MTB-friendly, Live Events
School Holidays & Flower Season: Open 7 days a week.
Tasteroom operating hours:
Contact: +27 (0)76 092 8313 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.