A Beer Lover’s Guide to the Best Local and International Brews
Beers to Try This Year: Beer lovers are in for a treat in 2025! Whether you’re a fan of classic lagers, hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or refreshing wheat beers, this guide highlights 20 must-try beers that are easily available in South Africa. From local craft brews to renowned international brands, this list covers a wide range of flavours and styles.
Best Beers to Try in 2025
1. Castle Lager (South Africa)
- Brewery: South African Breweries
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A South African classic with a crisp, balanced taste.
2. Black Label (South Africa)
- Brewery: Carling
- Style: American Lager
- ABV: 5.5%
- Why Try It? Known as “Tamati, Zamalek” with a robust and smooth taste.
3. Windhoek Lager (Namibia)
- Brewery: Namibia Breweries Limited
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4%
- Why Try It? A pure, crisp beer brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law).
4. Jack Black’s Brewers Lager (South Africa)
- Brewery: Jack Black Brewing Company
- Style: Amber Lager
- ABV: 4%
- Why Try It? A malty and well-balanced craft lager.
5. Devil’s Peak Lager (South Africa)
- Brewery: Devil’s Peak Brewing Company
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4%
- Why Try It? A modern lager with a clean, crisp taste.
6. Soweto Gold Superior Lager (South Africa)
- Brewery: Soweto Brewing Co.
- Style: Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A smooth and flavorful beer celebrating Soweto’s brewing heritage.
7. CBC Pilsner (South Africa)
- Brewery: Cape Brewing Company
- Style: Pilsner
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A crisp pilsner with a perfect balance of malt and hops.
8. Darling Brew Bone Crusher (South Africa)
- Brewery: Darling Brew
- Style: Witbier
- ABV: 6%
- Why Try It? A Belgian-style wheat beer with coriander and orange peel for a zesty flavor.
9. Mad Giant Urban Legend IPA (South Africa)
- Brewery: Mad Giant
- Style: India Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.8%
- Why Try It? A bold, hoppy beer with citrusy aromas.
10. Drifter Brewing Co. The Stormy Smoked Porter (South Africa)
- Brewery: Drifter Brewing Company
- Style: Smoked Porter
- ABV: 6%
- Why Try It? A dark and smoky porter with rich malt flavours.
11. Stella Artois (Belgium)
- Brewery: AB InBev
- Style: Pilsner
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A smooth and crisp lager with a slightly floral finish.
12. Heineken (Netherlands)
- Brewery: Heineken
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? One of the world’s most popular premium lagers.
13. Guinness Draught (Ireland)
- Brewery: Guinness
- Style: Stout
- ABV: 4.2%
- Why Try It? A rich, creamy stout with roasted malt flavours.
14. Corona Extra (Mexico)
- Brewery: Grupo Modelo
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.5%
- Why Try It? A light, easy-drinking beer often enjoyed with a wedge of lime.
15. Budweiser (USA)
- Brewery: Anheuser-Busch
- Style: American Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A smooth and classic lager.
16. Erdinger Weissbier (Germany)
- Brewery: Erdinger Brewery
- Style: Hefeweizen
- ABV: 5.3%
- Why Try It? A refreshing wheat beer with banana and clove notes.
17. Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier (Germany)
- Brewery: Paulaner Brewery
- Style: Wheat Beer
- ABV: 5.5%
- Why Try It? A cloudy, full-bodied German wheat beer with a smooth finish.
18. Amstel Lager (Netherlands/South Africa)
- Brewery: Heineken SA
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A full-bodied lager with a slightly bitter finish.
19. Tiger Beer (Singapore)
- Brewery: Heineken Asia Pacific
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Why Try It? A smooth and refreshing Asian lager.
20. Bavaria 0.0% (Netherlands)
- Brewery: Bavaria Brewery
- Style: Non-Alcoholic Lager
- ABV: 0%
- Why Try It? A great alcohol-free option that still delivers a crisp beer taste.
Where to Find These Beers in South Africa?
Most of these beers are available at liquor stores, supermarkets, and craft beer outlets across South Africa. Popular retailers include:
- TOPS at Spar
- Pick n Pay Liquor
- Checkers LiquorShop
- Makro Liquor
- Specialty craft beer stores
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of local lagers, rich stouts, or international classics, 2025 is the perfect time to explore these top beers. From craft breweries like Jack Black and Devil’s Peak to global favourites like Guinness and Heineken, there’s something for every beer lover.
Cheers to great beer and unforgettable flavours in 2025! 🍻
Also read: Top 10 Best Ciders to Keep You Refreshed Throughout the Year
