
Mohalenyane Phakela
CONNOISSEURS of alcohol this week were afforded the opportunity to sample beers from various African countries during a preparatory event at the Maseru Mall ahead of Saturday’s Africa Beer Festival.
The beverages that were sampled for free included different varieties of beers, beer cocktails, ales and ciders from Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
The aficionados tasted brands such as Swagga Weiss, Best Black Gold, Dragon Fiery Ginger Beer and Punk Hop Pale Ale. On the cocktail front, Mag, Beer and Ice Tea, Sweet Sour Beer and Ocean Beer.
Kaizer Matsumunyane, a spokesperson for local entertainment outfit, Black Star Produxions who organised the event said it was held to give the public a foretaste of what to expect at the third edition of the Africa Beer Festival at Maseru Club on Saturday.
“Most of the beers that are available here at home are lager beers and this has created a mindset in people that beer is bitter whereas there are different types and cocktails that are actually sweet, hence many people were surprised at our event,” Matsumunyane said.
He said the main event on Saturday would be bigger than the previous one as there were more participating brewers from different African countries.
“We will be serving beers from Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and South African micro brewers with Maluti Premium Lager being the only local product on offer.
“It is very disturbing to see that after 35 years we still have only one brewery in the country whereas other countries have plenty.
“One of the aims of the festival is to encourage Basotho to take up beer production as it boosts the economy and promotes tourism,” he said.
He also said they greatly inspired by the Oktober Fest (Germany’s beer festival) and they were working towards “making this event rise to that level”.
“Our festival is growing and we have also caught the attention of South African brewers who are sponsoring the event,” he said.
There will also be a food and crafts market with local and South African DJs providing the music. Sponsors include Maluti Mountain Brewery, Cape Brewing Company (South Africa), Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation, Cappello and Station Offsales.