The Village News
12 – 25 September 2017
Hedda Mittner
It’s one thing to harbour a dream – and quite another to turn it into a reality. But for James and Di Rattle, founders of the Hermanus Brewing Company, the reality exceeded even their wildest dreams when they recently achieved a gold medal at the South African National Beer Trophy Awards for their classic South African lager, Old Harbour Beer.
Brewed at their micro-brewery in the Industrial Area from Overberg barley and Southern hops, this easy-drinker was a local hit right off the bat, but to show that they can also hold their own nationally against “the big boys” is a proud achievement indeed.
This year’s competition saw a huge increase in the number of craft beer entries and testament to a thriving industry is that the sheer number of craft breweries in South Africa is increasing at an exponential rate. The 2017 event saw more than double entries compared to the previous year, with 212 beers and 64 breweries entering the competition.
A total of 22 gold medals were awarded in different categories, with Old Harbour Beer taking top honours in the lager category.
“We decided right from the start to remain authentic to try and live what we call ‘the good old days,’” We wanted the same timeless, excellent taste – and Old Harbour Beer, a classic South African lager – fits the bill. We also had our sights on producing a whole range of different beers.”
“The idea was to produce a great, drinkable, session beer,” adds Di. “We didn’t want people to have one and then go somewhere else for another!” she adds with a laugh.
They are already brewing a pretty straight-forward, but top quality Pilsner, and will add lagers as well. So how did the name work so well for their brand?
“I’d longed to start my own brewery for many years,” says James, who was inspired by a trip along the Oregon and Californian coast in 2003. “I loved the industry vibe and how it has its own style of fun and I started brewing the moment we returned.”
“Home” at that time was Cape Town for James and Di, who have been together for 30 years and have three children. He had forged a successful career in the construction industry and Di was working as a magazine stylist for top publications such as Fair Lady. But in 2010 they made the life-changing decision to relocate to Hermanus. While Di opened a little home décor & gift shop called Shuk, James was gearing up to start the first micro-brewery in Hermanus.
He enrolled at the World Brewing Academy in Chicago and on his return he teamed up with Richard Hammond, who was previously the master brewer at Napier Brewery. Using concise German-based brewing technology and the considerable knowledge and experience of Richard, who is ably assisted by Jay Ndike, the Hermanus Brewing Company was born.
Since their first release of Old Harbour Lager in January 2015, the team has hit the ground running and could hardly keep up with the demand.
“When we started out some people thought we were crazy,” chuckled James, “but after the first year we had to double the size of our brewery.” Di sold her little shop to become involved full time and prides herself on delivering a personalised hands-on service to all their clients while handling the sales, deliveries and marketing side of the business.
The Old Harbour team are a modest and amiable bunch and clearly love what they are doing. “The time was right and the place was right for this venture,” says James. “We love living here and doing business with the wonderful people of Hermanus,” adds Di. “This is our Paradise.”
Apart from being available from most Hermanus establishments, Old Harbour Lager is stocked by the whole Overberg region and selected areas of the Cape Town market.
If you have not experienced the joy of tasting this refreshing thirst with a bottle of Old Harbour, this description of “the national champion” Old Harbour Lager, a clear, yellow easy-drinker by Michael Mulgrove that appeared in a Sunday Times Food supplement best describes it:
“This lightest of the gold medalists hits modest but clever notes, showing aromas of sponge cake, apple blossom and the vaguest whiff of grass… a clean, grassy, refreshing, palatable palate finishing long with off-notes, and very little bitterness.”
Visit the Hermanus Brewing Company for a tasting at 11 Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industria. Contact 073 184 6076.