The Woodstock Brewery team celebrate with their custom painting created by Maggie Murray of Carvel.
Cape Town’s craft beer scene has just earned serious bragging rights after Woodstock Brewery walked away with the biggest title at the 2026 African Beer Cup, claiming Best Beer in Africa for its barrel-aged sour ale, Funky Monk’s.
For beer lovers who have watched South Africa’s craft brewing industry grow from a niche movement into a powerhouse of experimentation and quality, the win feels like a major moment not just for one brewery, but for the country’s brewing reputation as a whole.
The African Beer Cup is regarded as the continent’s biggest and most respected beer competition, attracting entries from breweries across Africa.
This year’s contest featured 244 beers from 16 countries, with judges tasting everything from crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to inventive African-inspired brews featuring local grains, hops and fruit.
