About Us

Who We Are

At Soul Barrel Brewing, we aim to create a world-class South African beer culture by brewing artisanal, innovative beer that reflects our time, place, and personality. We believe real beer is made with soul. Our brewing showcases our passion for local ingredients, hoppy ales, old-world barrel fermentations and our uncompromising commitment to quality.

We believe beer is the greatest beverage in the world. Savouring an amazing brew can be a life changing experience. Our brewery exists to contribute to these epic moments. The brewery is in the heart of the Cape Winelands outside of Franschhoek, built within the old tank walls of the former Drakenstein Cooperative Winery.

Come share in our passion for brewing & celebrate beer made with Soul!

Experience

The Soul

Our Story

Soul Barrel Brewing Company is located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, just outside of Franschhoek, South Africa. Our brewery is built within the historic tank walls of the former Drakenstein Cooperative Winery, a site rich with history and heritage. This unique setting is a testament to our dedication to blending tradition with innovation, creating a space where the past and present unite to shape the future of South African craft beer.

Our Mission

Our mission at Soul Barrel Brewing is to create a world-class South African beer culture by brewing artisanal and innovative beers that reflect our unique time, place, and personality. We believe that beer is not just a beverage, but an experience that can be profoundly soul-stirring. Our passion for local ingredients, hoppy ales, old-world barrel fermentations, and an uncompromising commitment to quality is evident in every sip of our beer.

Our Philosophy

We see beer as the greatest beverage in the world, capable of creating unforgettable moments and connecting people in profound ways. Our brewery exists to contribute to these epic experiences. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavour and brewing techniques, constantly exploring new ideas while honouring the time-tested traditions that define the craft of brewing.

The Soul Barrel Experience

Visiting Soul Barrel Brewing is more than just about tasting great beer—it's about immersing yourself in the craft and culture of brewing. Nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards and mountains of the Cape Winelands, our brewery offers a serene and inspiring environment. Come and enjoy our taproom and beer garden, where you can savour our range of beers, each brewed with meticulous care and passion.

Meet the Krewe

Our Team

Our dedicated team, known as the Krewe, is the heart and soul of Soul Barrel Brewing. Each member brings a unique set of skills and a shared passion for craft beer.

Nick Smith

Nick believes that great beer can change the world. After attending the Master Brewers Program at UC Davis, he spent a decade in the US craft beer industry, gaining extensive experience in brewing, distribution, and sales with Abita Brewing Company in New Orleans and New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, CO. In 2016, he moved to Cape Town to start Soul Barrel Brewing, driven by a vision to elevate South African craft beer.

Devin Hendricks

Devin is a homegrown talent from Paarl, whose adventure in the world of beer began with our friends at CBC. His passion for brewing is fueled by the excitement and possibilities that beer offers. Devin aspires to be part of the next generation of great South African brewers, contributing to the growth of the local brewing community.

Mark Groenewald

Mark is an avid home brewer with a background in IT, working with wine and fruit farms. Married into a 5th generation Simondium wine farming family, Mark has found a way to blend his passion for brewing with his family's heritage. Starting a brewery in the old wine tanks has been a rejuvenating journey, and he looks forward to building a vibrant future for South African craft beer.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Soul Barrel Brewing, quality is our highest priority. From the selection of the finest raw materials to the meticulous brewing process, we ensure that every beer we produce meets our exacting standards. Our dedication to quality extends to the way we serve our beer, ensuring that it is enjoyed at its freshest and most flavorful.
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