Brewing UCT Invited to Castle Rock Festival


On Friday 31 October, Brewing UCT attended the Castle Rock Experience in Ceres where they were invited to showcase one of their craft beers and provide entertainment as part of a night of craft beer, cider, wine and food. The evening was entitled “The Science of beer, food & laughter”, with Brewing UCT comprising the “The Science of beer” aspect of the event. It was held at the Olive Rock function venue in Ceres, and hosted 150 beer-and-wine enthusiasts.
Brewing UCT's Captain, Brian Willis, a PhD candidate in CeBER, represented the team which consists of postgraduate students, post docs and staff who are all based within the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Brian led the audience through a variety of anecdotes, including the story of his first brewing experience, a pineapple beer. He recounted the history of brewing at UCT with a particular focus on recent successes found by the team at brewing competitions since 2012.
Brewing UCT presented their Amber Ale, called Humulone, which is named after the primary bittering compound from the hop plant. It has a strong litchi aroma from the hops, and sufficient body to balance the bitter notes which linger in the aftertaste. It was well received by guests with some hailing it their favourite beer of the evening.
Brian appreciated the opportunity to share his passion for beer with a fresh group of keen listeners, and to network with individuals who showed interest in working with both Brewing UCT and other CeBER research groups.