Sit Down For A Slow Beer At Darling Brew
The story of Darling Brew began all the way back in 2007 in the middle of an African adventure. It was here where Philippa and Kevin Wood stumbled across Andre of Sneeuberg Brewery, a man who instilled within them a passion for beer. They came home inspired to start their very own microbrewery in the heart of Darling, and so Darling Brew was created. Little did they know, fast forward ten years, that they’d have such a well-known brand out into the world.
When at Darling Brew look up Philippa Wood, co-owner of Darling Brew. She is always happy to chat.
We were lucky enough to meet Philippa, co-owner of Darling Brew, who took us on a personal tour of the brewery. There’s nothing quite like seeing the process of making beer (a behind the scenes look) that makes you appreciate the work and effort that goes into each bottle. Every single part of the process has to be executed to perfection in order to maintain the same quality of beer each and every time.
Slow Beer at Darling Brew
“What exactly is Slow brew?” I asked Philippa, as I spotted one of the more famous variants of their beer sitting on the shelf.
“Slow Beer is the name of the very first beer that we created. But it’s more than just a name. It represents our philosophy. These are not mass produced beers. It’s the slow and steady fermentation process that turns them into the beers that people love today.”
For me, the name also reminds me to take a break, to slow down, and enjoy a beer.
After the tour, we made our way to the tasting room. My favourite part of Darling Brew was the different facilities offered to their guests. Customers can choose to sit outside (a great place for those with children), or inside with a view of the working microbrewery itself. The restaurant not only offers beers, but also serves delicious food to pair with the beer. We went for the Cheese & Meat Platter for 2, and five different beer tastings.
Darling Brew currently has thirteen beers on offer for the tasting, ranging from 2.6% alcohol content to 9%, each with a unique flavor component. Not sure what to choose when you’re there? Go for a tasting and get to know each beer individually. My personal favourites from the tasting were definitely:
Slow Beer – An extreme lager with a rich golden colour. Refreshing with a real hops flavor and founding off with a mild bitterness. 4%
Rogue Pony – Pale Ale. A not too edgy pale ale with a mild body and a hint of straw and honey on the palate. 5%
The beers went perfectly with our food platter, a selection of meat, cheese and bread, all locally sourced. The combination of the beer and the platter made for a beautiful representation of Darling itself.
Take it even slower with the NEW 33o ml bottle!
Another exciting reason to visit Darling Brew, is the launch of their top four bestsellers (Slow Beer, Bone Crusher, Gypsy Mask and Rogue Pony), in a 330 ml bottle. They’ve taken their ethos of SLOW beer to the next level with the launch of these four top sellers in a great new shape and size – in this 330ml shape. Read more about it here.
“It’s also about the shape in which our fans find themselves,” says Philippa Wood, co-founder and director of Darling Brew. “Are they taking a moment to slow down? To soak up their surroundings? To appreciate the vastness of our Earth and the incredible sights and sounds nature has to offer? To respect and care for the planet and all its inhabitants?” This was ultimately the thought process behind the 330ml’s campaign hashtag #takeitslow. “We want to encourage our fans to take a moment in a very tumultuous time and remember what’s important,” says Philippa.
I’d like to say a big thank you to the lovely Phillipa Wood for taking the time out to show us around. Her knowledge and passion in the company is prevalent in every sip of beer that I took that day.
Darling Brew – Take it slow.
Find Darling Brew on the West Coast Way Culture Route and spend the day enjoying the Slow Beer At Darling Brew paired with delicious food that is locally sourced.
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:
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm Kitchen closes at 4pm
- Friday 9 am to 9pm Kitchen closes at 8pm
- Saturday 9am to 5pm Kitchen closes at 4pm
- Sunday 10am to 4pm Kitchen closes at 3pm
- They are also open for private functions. The restaurant works on a walk in basis but large groups are encouraged to book
Contact: +27 (0)21 286 1099 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za
Written by: Christine Bernard
Photos by Warren Bernard (www.flatwhiteimages.com)
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