My brewing journey began in matric after a class on fermentation sparked my interest in the science behind beer. This passion led me to study Microbiology and Food Science at the University of the Free State. During my studies, a class excursion to the SAB Training Institute, now known as the World of Learning, deepened my love for fermentation and brewing. After graduating, I began my career as a Brewing Trainee at Maluti Mountain Brewery, an SABMiller-affiliated brewery in Lesotho. I later moved into academia in search of craft brewing alternatives, where I joined the Intervarsitybrew™ cohort and enrolled for a Master’s degree at CUT. My research focused on hop and cannabis oils, exploring their application in beer. My beer research also led me to complete BJCP training after attending the African Beer Cup and Brewer’s Powwow, now known as BeerEx Africa. The beer network cultivated from industry and home-brewing helped to get together judges for my Master’s experimental beer.
My growing interest in hop oils, and functional beverages led me to ADM, a multinational company that supplies functional ingredients including hop extracts. Through ADM, I have remained connected to the beer industry by helping introduce TNS hop extracts to South Africa through a partnership with BeerEx Africa earlier this year.