To start off our work weekend, we visited the renowned Mitchell’s Brewery in Knysna for a tour and craft beer tasting. In hindsight, this was probably one of the best moves we could have made for the beginning of our trip as the delicious beer tastings (and several others we had afterwards) helped to break the ice and begin a relaxed weekend we couldn’t possibly have enjoyed more.
Mitchell’s Brewery was established in Knysna in 1983 by a dedicated man called Lex Mitchell. He began by brewing only two lagers with the aim to distribute these beers in Knysna only. The names were cleverly derived from two of Knysna’s major industries in previous years, namely forestry and the shipping of timber from the port of Knysna. Therefore, the beers were called Forester’s and Bosun’s (from the role of the ‘Bosun’ – being the Captain’s right hand man) and it was these two beers that put Mitchell’s Brewery on the map. A year later (1984), the brewery was joined by the current brew master, Dave McRae, who in his 30 years of passionate experience has managed to add 5 more delicious beers to their impressive repertoire – and all 7 beers are now distributed nationally!
We were given a personal, private tour by the ever-smiling Dave, who kindly pushed the time of the last brewery tour back by half an hour to accommodate us. He led us behind-the-scenes of the brewery (run by 19 staff in 2013) to learn the secret of brewing their natural fine ales. Dave showed us everything from the Grist Hopper and Mash Tun, to the Kettle and Whirlpool, describing the process in great detail as we went. We were also able to experience the chill of the two fermentation cellars (at 12 and 5˚C respectively) and the age test machine in the last and final room. During the tour, Dave’s passion for the Craft beer producing industry was abundantly clear. He claimed that he could talk for days, but that we should rather get on to the fun part – the craft beer tasting. And we couldn’t agree more!
We trudged back to the front room of the brewery, where a well-stocked bar offers all of Mitchell’s homemade beers on tap. What’s so great about this bar area is that it means locals and tourists passing by are welcome to pop in and have a drink and a chat (and support this worthy Craft Beer industry). We sat down on bar stools around a large wine barrel (upgraded to table use) and were served 6 different craft beer tastings as well as a tasting of Mitchell’s Cider (their NEW apple cider introduced this year) by Dave’s lovely daughter, Sandy.
We drank along with Dave, Sandy, and the locals who Dave calls “honorary members” as they come to Mitchell’s every Friday night to support them. We really felt at home and were even invited behind the bar to pour our own drinks (2 complimentary pints were included in the tasting)! After such a wonderful welcome by Dave and co, we couldn’t resist buying a 6-pack of Forester’s to take home!
We had initially planned to leave the brewery at around 16h00 for a whale watching cruise on the lagoon, but a call came into say that due to the weather, our trip would have to be postponed – and let’s just say that none of us were really complaining about spending some more time at Mitchell’s!
Mitchell’s Brewery Craft Beers:
- Forester’s Lager – a light and slightly sweet beer which is a superb refreshment on a hot day. As this 100% ale malt has NO artificial foam, the bubbles are natural and have lower carbonation, so you can drink more of it (and we did!)
- Bosun’s Bitter – the first “real” ale produced in South Africa, based on Yorkshire Ale. It is brewed at a temperature that is 2˚ higher than Forester’s beer and is slightly less sweet too.
- 90 Shilling Ale – a heavy, spicy ale with an amber glow. This beer was used for carbo loading during the Knysna Oyster Festival for the marathon runners and cyclists.
- Raven Stout – a black and bitter milk stout.
- Old Wobbly Lager – at a whopping 7% alcohol, it’s a great winter warmer!
- Milk & Honey Ale – a slightly darker ale with a touch of milk and honey. It is brewed exclusively for Ferryman’s Tavern.
- Mitchell’s Cider – This new apple cider has a sweet, fruity taste with a slight green tinge, and is made from real apples! (A great choice for the non-beer drinkers).
- Milkwood – this beer is made up of 50% Forester’s and 50% Bosun’s Bitter, but they weren’t currently producing it while we were there.
More information:
- Brewery Tours: 1-hour brewery tours are offered Monday – Friday at 12:30 and 14:30. Alternative tour times can be arranged for groups of 6 or more on weekdays only. Booking is essential.
- Cost: Please contact the brewery for more information on the prices as they may change.
- Current Location: 3 Arend Street, Knysna Industria, Knysna (relocation in December to Knysna Waterfront)
- Other branches: Mitchell’s Cape Town: Old Dock Master Building, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront; Mitchell’s Joburg: 53A Kelvin Road, Bramley, Johannesburg.
- Contact: +27 (0)44 382 4685 or visit their Facebook Page.
Mitchell’s Brewery has plans to expand and move to the Knysna Waterfront in December where they will add a pub and restaurant. If you’re after a beer and a good time with even better company, Mitchell’s Brewery is not to be missed!
Click here to view some other fantastic things to do in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
