Day 15: Karoo Red

Karoo Red

Origin: Porcupine Quill Brewing Co. (Botha’s Hill, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)

Style: Flemish Red

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 49.4

Description: This is my first offering of craft beer from South Africa and my thoughts drift back to my time living in England. I had placed a note in the climbing gym looking for a partner. I ended up meeting a South African named Waldo pronounced as “Valdoo”. It was at this time I fell into a brewing job and began my long road in beer. Waldo, a climber from South Africa living in Birmingham, made me nervous but he turned out to be a best friend, great climbing partner and source of endless trouble for me. This beer better live up to Waldo’s reputation.

It pours a murky auburn with very little head. Sniffing I get orange peel, slight sour cherry and a hint of fresh emptied wine barrel. Sipping I get a medium level of carbonation, some astringent chocolate notes, cocoa and a waft of black forest cake. The hop rate is in check and I start to get some cooking chocolate hints. Memory takes me back to the time I nicked the cooking chocolate nibs from the cupboard. Sorry dad! There is a real tang starting to assert itself with more sips. But with sour cherry and chocolate like a black forest cocktail from Bavaria. It’s like I am being seduced by the Boer war version of the classic spy trick called a honey pot. This vixen has me enticed and I shall give up all secrets.

I would put this beer in the company of  Duchesse de Bourgogne or the Pilaarbijter – both Flemish reds. It does not get as sour but well within the cricket circle and I say they have knocked it for six. Food-wise, I would like to see this paired with game meat like elk or moose with carrots and boiled potatoes. All round a very nice showing for my first South African beer. Puts Tusker to shame and plants the craft beer flag right square on the horn of Africa. I look forward to more. – C.B.