For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Johannesburg offers a selection of top-tier breweries and distilleries that provide rich, flavourful beverages made from carefully sourced ingredients. The tasting experiences at these establishments offer the perfect opportunity to not only taste award-winning beers and spirits but also learn about the meticulous processes behind their production, delivering an unforgettable experience that celebrates the art of fine beverages.
Copperlake Breweries:
Copperlake Breweries, located in Lanseria, is a craft beer lover’s paradise. The Tap Room, which operates on weekends, offers guests the opportunity to savour their 7 core brews, coolers and a range of seasonal brews on tap. The Adult Playground is filled with fun activities such as Beer Pong, Giant Jenga and Battle Shots. The venue also available for hire and caters to corporate groups.
Website: www.copperlakebreweries.co.za/
Johannesburg Distilling Company:
Dive into the world of premium handcrafted spirits at the Johannesburg Distilling Company. What sets this place apart is that the vast majority of its spirits are built from scratch, using a foundation of high-grade molasses, water and a super-secret blend of French yeasts and nutrients to produce some of the smoothest spirits on the market. Their guided tasting sessions introduce guests to their range of spirits, from aromatic gins with complex botanical profiles to smooth and refined vodkas and rums.
Website: www.joburgdistilling.co/
Time Anchor Distillery:
Time Anchor Distillery, the first craft distillery to open in Joburg, is famous for its craftsmanship and dedication to producing small-batch, high-quality spirits, including gins, rums and liquers. Their signature gin tasting experience includes a guided journey through their botanical blends, offering insights into the flavours and techniques behind their popular gins. Visitors can sample award-winning creations, get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process and create a personalized bottle of crafted gin which they get to take home.
Website: www.timeanchor.co.za/
Black Horse Brewery and Distillery:
Black Horse Brewery and Distillery is popular for its carefully curated selection of beers and gins, crafted with precision and creativity. Visitors can experience guided tastings, exploring the nuances of each brew or spirit, and learn about the craftsmanship behind these locally made beverages. The venue often hosts special functions and guest artists, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, or groups of friends to enjoy a day out.
Website: www.blackhorse.co.za/
The Noble Experiment:
The Noble Experiment offers a standard gin tasting experience as well as a 3-hour masterclass option. The Tastings are DIY style sessions which allow guests to sample three of their flagship gins and also includes a guide on how to pour the perfect gin and tonic using each gin. The 3-hour masterclass is an exclusive experience led by expert distillers. This hands-on workshop takes guests through every step of the distillation process, from selecting botanicals to the final product. Participants not only learn the science behind spirit production but also have the chance to create their own personalized gin blend. It’s perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge, refine their palate, and take home a bottle of their own bespoke creation.
Website: www.thenoblex.co.za/