FRANSCHHOEK – A modest brewery nestled in the Cape Winelands has once again claimed the continent’s most prestigious beer award, securing Best Beer in Africa at the 2025 African Beer Cup for the third time in its history and the second consecutive year.
Soul Barrel Brewing, operating from a converted winery cellar between Franschhoek and Paarl, triumphed with Wild African Soul, an innovative collaboration that marries traditional South African brewing methods with contemporary craft techniques.
The winning beer, developed in partnership with Tolokazi Beer, combines a traditional sorghum umqombothi with a farmhouse ale, aged for two years in wine barrels. This complex creation defeated 260 entries from 20 countries across Africa to claim the continent’s top honour.
“We’re a small team with a big mission: to brew beer that expresses the soul of South Africa,” said Nick Smith, Soul Barrel’s founder and brewmaster. “Winning Best Beer in Africa three times demonstrates to the world just how exciting African beer can be. Winning with a beer based on umqombothi sends a message that South Africa possesses a fascinating beer culture, and at Soul Barrel we aim to tell its story.”
The collaboration proved particularly significant for representing South African brewing heritage on the continental stage. Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, founder of Tolokazi and South Africa’s first black female brewmaster, praised the recognition of traditional brewing methods.
“It’s remarkable seeing traditional brewing honoured in this manner,” said Nxusani-Mawela. “This beer serves as a bridge between cultures — and a bold statement about African innovation.”
Soul Barrel’s success at the competition extended beyond the top prize. The brewery also secured gold for its Ale of Origin, which claimed Best Beer in Africa in 2024, and silver for Live Culture, the 2022 Best Beer in Africa winner, amongst other medals.
The brewery, which operates from within the century-old tank walls of a former winery cooperative, has built an international reputation despite its modest scale. Soul Barrel focuses on South African ingredients, hoppy ales, and traditional barrel fermentation techniques.
Founded on the principle that exceptional beer can change the world, Soul Barrel Brewing continues to champion South African craft brewing from its base in the heart of the Cape Winelands, demonstrating that innovation and tradition can successfully coexist in modern brewing.
The African Beer Cup serves as the continent’s premier beer competition, celebrating excellence in brewing across Africa’s diverse beer landscape.
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