Great brews at Thousand Sensations

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GEORGE NEWS - Beer flowed and festivalgoers had a feast tasting various brews at the Thousand Sensations Craft Beer, Spirits and Food Festival held over the weekend at the Wilderness Hotel in Wilderness.

There was also non-stop entertainment to keep the spirits up during the wet weekend's proceedings. Organiser Alewijn Dippenaar is elated at the excellent coverage this year's festival received.

It included a 2 minute and 20 seconds live news broadcast on Saturday on SABC 2; live radio broadcasting on Algoa FM, and weeks of pre-publicity in the George Herald.

The 46 South African craft brewers showcased more than 170 handcrafted beers and ciders.

Local brewers included Mitchells and The Bootlegger. Glenhoff, a local gin stoker, made their presence felt among the other stokers. Apart from the gin there were craft spirits, brandy, vodka, rum and whisky to sample, along with an array of food including Natal curries and pizzas.

Nostalgic pop music was provided by Herman Grobbelaar, Gaston and Anton Gemmer. Versatile Jonty and Wade, Gypsey duo James and Mike Hanley, Riaan Smit and Behind 2 Jays played an impressive array of musical styles in the marquee tent.

Dippenaar said 1 800 people enjoyed the weekend's fare.

The pre-event craft beer and food pairing (at Oudtshoorn's Turnberry Boutique Hotel, The Blind Pig in Wilderness and Oubaai Hotel) were well attended and will be back by popular demand.

For the 2018 event an extra day may be added. "We are considering kicking off with a Thursday trade fair at which bottles, labels, barley and other service providers can showcase their fare," said an upbeat Dippenaar.

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