ABOUT US
THE FRANSCHHOEK BEER COMPANY
HOW IT STARTED
A Scotsman, an American and a South African walked into a bar… and couldn’t
find a decent beer, so they decided to make their own.
Alex McCormack, Frank Rodriguez and Reuben Riffel were never the type do
anything half-arsed. Their individual stories of innovation, pioneering spirit and
success spans three continents, and their commitment to The Franschhoek Beer
Co. is as much about bringing the best handcrafted beer in the world to the most
beautiful valley in the world, as it is about making a product that lives up to their
own standards.
OUR BREWMASTER
Dedicated, obsessed with quality, seriously smart our brewmaster, Rene Du Toit, has over 15 years of brewing experience spanning all aspects of production, including management, and since diving into the world of craft brewing and recipe development in 2016, he’s become a true master of his craft.
Armed with a German Brauer und Mälzer qualification and a Diploma in Brewing from the esteemed Institute of Brewing and Distilling in the UK, Rene is more than just a brewer; he’s a brewing virtuoso. And while he may not wear lederhosen, his expertise is always on tap, with a new brew up his sleeve, ready to tantalize taste buds.
Beyond his professional prowess, Rene’s commitment to excellence extends to his personal endeavors. For 15 years, he’s been deeply involved in the Scout Movement, shaping future leaders as a dedicated Scoutmaster.
HOW WE BREW
Our beer is handcrafted on-site at our happy (and, we suppose, hoppy) home in Franschhoek. As our brewmaster is a perfectionist, he only uses the purest Franschhoek mountain spring water and the best quality imported hops and malt he can lay his hands on to ensure a superior beer. Made from only natural ingredients, our beers are unpasteurised and naturally carbonated.
We have specialized equipment, imported from Italy, ensuring the exceptional taste of every handcrafted bottle remains consistent. We never cut corners, we never compromise, we don’t believe good is good enough. We want to be the best, and we believe
we are.
WHERE WE BREW
What’s a brewery doing in the heart of a wine valley? Well, we’ve never been the type to swim downstream,
and honestly, we needed a refreshment while we marvel at what we believe to be the most beautiful place on
earth. We love it here; we love our beer, and we wouldn’t want to brew it anywhere else. Since the first French
Huguenot planted their vines in the fertile Franschhoek Valley more than 300 years ago, the region has become
world-renowned for food and wine of the highest standard. It is a region that’s uncompromising when it comes
to great produce, creativity and a life well-lived – a philosophy founded the very core of The Franschhoek Beer Co.
Also, it gets a little warm in this neck of the woods, we needed something bitterly cold.
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