Brewed with Heart in Hermanus

Our Story

From bold beginnings to national awards, our beer tells the story of people, places and passion.

Farmyard animals fed weekly

%

Bottles and boxes recycled

Litres brewed to date

Born from Passion, Brewed in Hermanus

At Old Harbour Brewery, our journey started with a bold idea and a whole lot of passion. Tucked away in the coastal town of Hermanus, we’ve been brewing small-batch craft beer since 2014.
Let’s rewind to where it all started. Moving from Cape Town where James was in the construction industry for 25 years, we were looking for a fresh start and a new adventure. Inspired by our travels in the US where we discovered the magic of small-town microbreweries, we soon realised that the one thing Hermanus was missing was a brewery. When James set off to Chicago to study Brewing Technology at the World Brewing Academy, his dream started to become a reality. We found an old building in the heart of the Hermanus Industrial area, did some major renovations, and Old Harbour Brewery was born. We even jetted off to China to check on our German precision engineered equipment. Since then, we’ve been brewing our delicious lager with passion, making consistant quality our priority.

Brewing

with purpose

“Local matters. So does the planet. That’s why we keep it close, clean, and conscious.”

Locally Sourced Ingredients

We believe good beer starts close to home. That’s why 90% of the ingredients in our brews are sourced within 35km of our brewery in Hermanus. Supporting local farmers and suppliers doesn’t just make sense, it keeps our Overberg community strong, our carbon footprint low, and our connection to the land alive in every pour.

Reusable Packaging

We’re proud to say that around 70% of our bottles and boxes come back to us. Each one is returned, washed, sterilised, and given a second life. It’s a simple cycle that works, for the planet, for the brewery, and for the customers who’ve made it part of their beer ritual. It’s the kind of sustainability that doesn’t shout, it just quietly does good.

No Grain Wasted

When the brewing’s done, the story isn’t. Our spent grain, the hearty stuff left behind, heads off to a local farm where it feeds very happy, free-range pigs and other farmyard animals. It’s a full-circle kind of thing. Nothing wasted. Just good, honest brewing that finds its way back into the community and sometimes, deliciously, onto your plate. Yes, Old Harbour infused pork is a thing!

Meet The Family

Behind the Beer

Local Hands

Global Flavour

National Beer Trophy Awards

We’ve poured our soul into every batch, and the accolades speak for themselves.

While these awards fuel our passion and remind us of the journey we’ve taken, it’s the appreciation from our customers and friends, that truly drives us. From locals who pop in for their weekly pint, to visitors from all over the world that pop in to see where the magic happens and join a brewery tour , their smiles and stories are the ultimate reward.

Our commitment to brewing beers that people love is what matters most, and it’s their support that keeps us pushing forward, one brew at a time. Our awards are just the cherry on top.

2017 – Gold Medal

Our dream of winning an award for our lager became a reality in 2017 when our classic South African lager took home the Gold Medal. It was an unforgettable night, the excitement, the nerves, and the pride of standing alongside top breweries from across South Africa. That moment marked the beginning of something special.

2018 – Gold Medal

We entered our lager again in 2018 and struck gold once more. Winning another Gold Medal was not just an honour; it was proof that all our hard work, long hours, and dedication to perfecting our product was paying off. A moment of real pride for our entire team.

2020 – Silver Medal

In 2020, we were awarded the Silver Medal for our Dark Lager, a brew with rich notes of chocolate and coffee that made a bold impression. This win was a proud moment, showing that our creativity and care for the craft extend far beyond just one style of beer.

Brewing with heart

We believe good beer should do good too, so we are proudly sponsors of the HAWS adoption pen at the Hermanus Country Market, helping give rescue cats and dogs a better shot at finding loving homes.

And our spent grain is sent to a local farm where it becomes hearty feed for happy, free-range pigs and their barnyard buddies.