"Good beer starts with water, malts, hops and yeast —
but consistency is the heart of any product."
Balgowan Brewery was founded by Cindy Slater (PhD in Biochemistry) and Stefan Just (MSc in Electronics) — two Rhodes University alumni whose love for science and fermentation turned home brewing into a career.
After years of brewing on weekends with academic peers, they scaled up their recipes and settled on the beautiful Midlands Meander at Midlands Forest Lodge. Their meticulous planning and execution ensure consistency in every batch.
Using a blend of local and imported ingredients, they craft authentic, quality beers that reflect their passion for both science and flavour.
Brewing is both an art and a science. We apply rigorous scientific principles to every step — from water chemistry to fermentation control — ensuring that every pint delivers the same exceptional taste.
Our background in biochemistry and electronics gives us a unique edge in monitoring and perfecting the brewing process, allowing us to experiment while maintaining the highest standards.
A selection of authentic, flavour‑forward beers — each brewed with the same dedication to quality.
A perfectly balanced ale with a rich, smooth finish — the result of meticulous brewing and a passion for flavour.
Bright, aromatic pale ales with a balanced bitterness — perfect for any occasion.
Rich, complex dark beers with notes of chocolate and coffee — a treat for the senses.
Beers are rated by colour, alcohol content, and flavour — here's what it all means.
Every batch is a carefully orchestrated dance of water, malts, hops, yeast — and scientific precision.
Water chemistry is adjusted to match the style, while malt selection provides the fermentable sugars and body. Hops are added at precise times to achieve the desired bitterness and aroma.
Our biochemistry background allows us to monitor fermentation with scientific rigour, ensuring that every batch meets our high standards for flavour and clarity.
Yeast is the heart of fermentation — we select strains that complement our recipes, producing clean, consistent results that showcase the malt and hop profiles.
