New Wookstock brewery, Ukhamba Beerworx, will open its doors to the public on 29 July 2017.
In the history of the Nguni people of Southern Africa like Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele and Swazi, it was always custom for tribesmen to gather in a circle, sharing umqombothi (a traditional beer) from a clay pot called ukhamba. This was the inspiration behind brewmaster Lethu Tshabangu’s new brewery, Ukhamba Beerworx.
Lethu’s craft beer passion began years back while working as a bartender in a craft beer centric bar. During that time he got into home brewing and he soon realised that while tinkering with beer is fun, exact measuring leads to continued success in brewing.
After honing his skills at the brewing incubator – Brewers Co-op – the time has come to open his own commercial venture.
Located just outside The Palms Centre in Woodstock, Ukhamba Beerworx will take over the previous premises of Riot Brewery. The venue is intimate and screams craft beer.
Ukhamba currently produce two IPA’s and one Saison.
Pursuit of Hoppyness
Black IPA
A perfect marriage of roasty- chocolate and lightly spicy malt flavours with citrus hops aroma make up the beautiful Cascadian Ale.
Utywala
Sorghum Saison
A refreshing farmhouse Ale, with an African twist. Tart and fruity nose with a crisp mouth feel. Sorghum malt, which is popular with making Umqombothi (traditional African beer) gives this beer a unique character.
State Capture
IPA
We cannot confirm not deny this is the beer drank at a popular Jo’burg shebeen, but all the citrus- grapefruit flavours in the all-day IPA were all put together by us without an exterior influence.
Ukhamba will be a great addition to the all ready vibrant craft beer scene in Woodstock and Salt River, bringing with it a much needed vogue take on tradition.
