Basset Breweries was founded in 2013 at the Lynton Hall Driving Range in Pennington. In the past four years they have grown from strength to strength, now distributing their fine beers throughout Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng.

Andy Turner, head brewer at Basset Breweries, spent 5 years living in the UK and Europe. During this time he developed a taste for a diverse range of regional brews. Upon returning to SA in 2001, he was disappointed with the limited selection of beers available locally, so after years of research, he began to brew his own beers at home according to the styles he discovered abroad.

After 5 years of home brewing, he took the plunge in 2012 and quit his job as an electrical engineer to pursue the business of craft brewing. His loving girlfriend, Natalie Danks, sold her sports car (now that’s real love….) and together they began to build the brewery.

Basset Breweries opened their doors in December 2013, with three beer brands – Umdoni Gold, Befreckled Red and Pennington Pride. In October 2014, they added Barking Blonde to their line-up, as an easy drinking beer for people who are new to the craft beer scene.

Be sure to look out for Basset Breweries new Steam Punk Range of beers, for the more adventurous. There are 4 beers in the range, each one specially tailored to suit a particular season of the year. Each of these extreme beers is brewed only once a year and is available only for that season….if you miss out you will have to wait another year for the next batch.

The Winter beer, named The Dogfather, was judged a Top 10 finalist in the 2015 South African National Craft Brewers Championships.

With such a diverse offering of beer styles, there is something to suit the palate of every beer drinker.

Established: 2013

Brewer: Andy Turner

Owner: Andy Turner & Natalie Danks

Website: www.bassetbreweries.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Basset-Breweries-342991582448841/

Contact number: 0837788988

Address: Lynton Hall Driving Range, R102 Old South Coast Road, Pennington, 4184

Facilities: Tasting room (there is also a driving range, bar, coffee shop (light meals) and plant nursery on site but independently managed)

Public opening times: 7 Days a week from 10am – 4pm (6pm in peak season)

Tours: Available at cost of R100 per person – lasts 45mins – 1hr – booking essential for tours