REVELLERS sampling some of the exotic beers during the Africa Beer Festival held at Durham Link on Saturday
Mohalenyane Phakela
ATTENDEES to the recently-held annual Africa Beer Festival in Maseru on Saturday gave the fete glowing reviews, saying they would like to see more of such events.
Speaking to the Weekender during the event, Nkhono ‘Maqajela Lebona said she had always wanted to sample various alcoholic beverages and had gained more exposure thanks to the festival.
“I came here so I could explore the various alcoholic beverages on offer so as to get a better understanding of the ones that will not affect my health in a negative way,” Lebona said.
“Today I have tried ciders such as Mind the Gap Berry and beers like Soweto Gold and Sibebe which all taste very good and which I would be happy to see in our local market.”
Another beer aficionado, Amy Mycoff, an American who has been living in Lesotho for the past two years, said she had an awesome time tasting different African beers.
“This is my second time at an African beer festival and it has been an overwhelming experience to be exposed to these beers,” she said
“They are somewhat similar to American beers but possess their distinctive African flavour. I would love to see more events of this nature as they acquaint people like me with different alcohol beverages.”
As promised by the festival organiser, Kaizer Matsumunyane, an array of African beers, ales, ciders and, for the first time beer cocktails, were available to suit every taste.
These included Swagga Weiss, Best Black Gold, Sibebe, Dragon Fiery Ginger Beer and Punk Hop Pale Ale. On the cocktail front, Blu Lagoon, Southern Sun, African Classic, French 75 and Cosmopolitan, with Lammernshoek white, shiraz and cinsant wines were also on offer.
The Swaziland-brewed Sibebe was on offer for free as part of an assessment of its viability in the Lesotho market.
Revelers were able to first taste the beverages before buying so as to make an informed choice. Entertaining the audience were deejays, The A Supreme, Da Starr, Bentley and Osmic DJ.
The event also provided a platform for apparel outfits such as Bonono Merchants and Show Me Yours to showcase their wares.
