So this past weekend we headed off to Pecanwood in the Natal Midlands for Oktoberfest. 
More perfect weather we could not have asked for. We got to the queue at around 11h00 and though there was a wait, the process of getting through the gates was smooth and pleasant.
Upon arriving we decided to set up our tent, check out the festival set up and go in search of beer.
I should state at this juncture that I am not, nor have I ever been a big beer fan, however craft beer is a different story entirely.
I was very pleased to see Robson’s from Shongweni at the fest as I have had the pleasure of a brewery tour of the Shongweni setup and I learned an incredible amount about the beer making process there. It is by no means simply tossing hops, barley and water into a barrel, sprinkling in some yeast and letting it ferment. Oh no! Craft beer is an art form!
My favourite Robson’s beer is the Pilsner, which is light and crisp and one which can be enjoyed on a hot day alongside a mildly spicy meal like a curry or perhaps a Mexican dish.
One cannot speak of Robson’s without mentioning the Hammer of Thor! This 8.3% bad boy is something you’d share with a mate after dinner not something you’d approach without respect, or you’re likely to catch a swift clap to the head.
The fest was my first introduction to the Johannesburg based Swagga Brewery who served up a Swagga Blonde which is a medium-light bodied beer that is easy drinking malt-oriented American style entry level craft beer. Basically, it’s delicious and something I would drink on a regular basis.
My boyfriend aka The Musician, favoured the Swagga Irish Red Ale which is a well balanced ale with robust flavours. There is not much hop aroma and the bitterness balances the malt flavours very well. The colour is a beautiful red with an off white foam.
One of the standout favourites – especially among the ladies, was the Cape based Dragon Fiery Ginger Beer. Very easy drinking and refreshing, especially on the glorious hot day we enjoyed on Saturday.
The Beer Pong was a spectacle and lots of fun to watch. Two of our friends, Warren Haslehurst and Karl Deetlifs managed to reach the semi-finals before being ousted and missing out on the trip to Munich, better luck next year men!
After the beer pong we went in search of food and there was a variety of traditional German fare on offer, including eisbein, knackwurst and of course sauerkraut.
The fest also introduced me to something I’d never before seen; pizza cones! Being a hardcore pizza fan, I was skeptical at first but after trying a Regina and a dessert pizza cone, I can tell you it was perfect festival food!
The dessert pizza cone was banana layered with chocolate and topped with fresh strawberries and cream. Simple, delicious and a complete hit, they were the first food stall to sell out.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the musical lineup with the star performances coming from Jeremy Loops, Veranda Panda and Angus.
Jeremy Loops, coming right off the back of a stellar Rocking the Daisies performance, the crowd welcomed Jeremy, Jamie and Mo with uproarious cheers and shouts, proving that they are indeed one of SA’s most beloved acts!
I got chatting to Jeremy and Jamie after the show and discovered that they met on Facebook. Jamie, an incredible session musician, saw a performance by Jeremy on Facebook and thought to himself “Hey, I can play to that”, he sent a clip of himself playing the sax to one of Jeremy’s songs, Jeremy loved it, gave him a call and they have been collaborating ever since.
Jeremy Loops will be releasing their new album overseas in January which means some extensive touring through to at least March 2015.
The new album, Trading Change is available for download on iTunes.
Following a performance like Jeremy Loops is difficult but Angus pulled it off with aplomb and jokingly thanked the Cape Town based outfit for opening for them. Angus are a really great cover band who kept the crowd in high spirits, singing along to some well loved – and very well executed cover tracks!
For Veranda Panda, performing at Pecanwood was a no-brainer! Liam Magner and Jane Baillie have been fortunate to travel to gigs outside of the greater Durban area and they are gaining an impressive following as a result. I first made the acquaintance of Liam and Jane at a nightclub in Durban and every time I hear their eclectic mash up of hip-hop, electro, base and even swing, I am always impressed! Their energy is infectious and you cannot stop from getting onto the dance floor!
On the whole, the festival was a very well organised event, which did not disappoint in the least!
Pecanwood Oktoberfest 2015 comes highly recommended! I know we will definitely be back next year!

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