In the tranquil hills of the Cape Winelands just outside Franschhoek, a different kind of fermentation magic is quietly rewriting Africa’s beer story. Soul Barrel Brewing has once again been named home to the Best Beer in Africa. This marks the third time the brewery has claimed the top title at the prestigious African Beer Cup, and the second year in a row.  

The winning brew, Wild African Soul, is more than just a beer. It’s a collaboration between Soul Barrel and Tolokazi Beer, a Johannesburg-based brewery led by Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, one of South Africa’s only Black female brewers. Together, they’ve created a drink that is both ancient and avant-garde.

Soul Barrel Beer

Apiwe says: “On behalf of Tolokazi Beer, I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition for Wild African Soul, our collaboration brew which was crafted at Soul Barrel Brewing. This award is a true reflection of our dedication to crafting distinctly African beers, celebrating our heritage and embracing the richness of indigenous knowledge.”

It is especially wonderful to witness Black female–owned beer brands taking centre stage. And importantly to see the use of indigenous ingredients that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and tell a compelling story that creates meaningful experiences.

Brewers and beer lovers gathered at Si Cantina Sociale for the annual awards.

At its core, Wild African Soul draws from the wisdom and heritage of umqombothi, a traditional African sorghum beer that carries centuries of cultural significance. But this is not just a retelling of the old story. This beer blends that tradition with a modern farmhouse ale, wild-fermented and barrel-aged for two years in old wine casks. The result is a beer that sings with complexity.  

From the very beginning, Soul Barrel Brewing has had one mission: to brew beer that expresses the soul of South Africa. “We are a small team with a big dream,” says founder and brewmaster Nick Smith. “To win Best Beer in Africa three times is something we never expected. But it also proves what we’ve always believed. African beer is not just world-class, it is powerful, layered and deeply rooted in culture. Brewing with umqombothi is our way of saying that our history matters. That our ingredients matter. And that our stories belong on the global stage.” 

Started in 2019, the African Beer Cup is judged by a panel of international experts and continues to grow as a benchmark for quality and innovation on the continent. This year saw 259 entries from 14 countries. According to competition director Lucy Corne, 2024 marked a turning point for the Cup with the introduction of the Speciality African Beer category.

“These beers are brewed with ingredients like sorghum, millet, and fonio – grains that have been used in African brewing traditions for generations,” says Corne. “It is exciting and very fitting that a beer from this new category has risen to the top this year. It reflects a growing pride in our continent’s brewing heritage and a willingness to explore it through modern techniques.” 

The award is a tribute to ancestors and to the future. It shows that African women, African grains and African methods belong in the global conversation around beer. Wild African Soul is a bridge between who we were and who we are becoming.

To see the full list of winners from the 2025 African Beer Cup, visit africanbeercup.com/2025-winners.