Distance means little when creativity knows no bounds. Hailing from two iconic cities 1,407km apart, Jack Black and Mad Giant have once again defied geography to craft a beer that captures the essence of Spring—Jack & The Giant Pale Ale.
This limited-edition New England Pale Ale is the latest in their “collaboration of spirit”, where shared values—and a shared love for good beer—take centre stage. Brewed in two separate locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg, it embodies the distinct characteristics of each city while staying true to the brands’ shared vision.
The brew itself is an adventure in contrast and connection. Despite using the same recipe and ingredients, brewing in two cities creates subtle yet fascinating differences. Cape Town and Johannesburg each bring unique elements—water profiles, elevations, equipment, the brewers—that shape the final flavour.
Each year, tasting both versions becomes an opportunity to explore how these variables create something familiar yet distinct. It’s a reminder that great beer is as much about where it’s made as how it’s made.
Jack & The Giant is a hazy, juicy Pale Ale that’s a full-throttle celebration of tropical flavours. Pineapple, papaya, and citrus dominate the aroma, blending into a golden pour with a soft, velvety mouthfeel. Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and El Dorado hops in a combination of T90 and Cryo pellets, the result is an intense fruit-forward profile.
This is the only New England Pale Ale that Jack Black produces, making it a special project the team looks forward to every year. It’s part science experiment, part passion project—and they’re determined to make this year’s Jack & The Giant the best it’s ever been. From start to finish, the balance of freshness and complexity makes it perfect for long, sunny afternoons.
Given the love for their previous collaborations, stocks of this once-off, limited-release are predicted to sell out quickly!
Mad Giant’s freshly brewed batch will cater exclusively to Johannesburg, and Jack Black’s cans and kegs will be available to those in Cape Town, as well as a few cherry picked retailers nationally.