🍺 Sip of the Week: Striped Horse Beers – A Cape Town Surprise Worth Galloping After
🌍 Introduction
Greetings from beautiful Cape Town! This week’s Sip of the Week comes with a twist. Instead of swirling a glass of wine, I found myself clinking bottles of locally crafted beer while soaking up views of the iconic Table Mountain. Based in the seaside village of Melkbosstrand, I’ve been enjoying long walks along pristine sandy beaches, bathed in that golden autumn sunshine. And honestly, what better way to end a beach day than with an ice-cold local brew?
This week, I’m making a small but worthy detour from wine to introduce you to a cracking South African beer brand: Striped Horse. 🐎🍻
🐎 What’s in a Name? The Striped Horse Story
First things first… what exactly is a “Striped Horse”?
Well, depending on who you ask, it could be a zebra or the now-extinct Cape quagga – a fascinating half-striped creature that once roamed the plains of South Africa. Either way, the name feels proudly local and a little bit wild. And that suits this brand perfectly.
Striped Horse has strong ties to the well-known Cape Brewing Company (often called CBC), one of the pioneers of craft beer in South Africa. So, while the branding feels fresh and playful, there’s some serious brewing pedigree behind it.
🍺 Striped Horse Premium Lager – Crisp, Clean, and Dangerously Easy
First Impressions
Crack open a bottle, and you’re greeted with a light, golden pour and a lively fizz. It looks exactly how a proper lager should. No fuss. No drama.
The Taste
This is a classic premium lager done right. It’s crisp. It’s refreshing. And most importantly, it’s incredibly drinkable.
There’s a gentle malt sweetness upfront, followed by a clean, slightly bitter finish. Nothing overpowering. Nothing complicated. Just pure, uncomplicated enjoyment.
Perfect Setting
I enjoyed this one ice cold after a long beach walk in Melkbosstrand. The Atlantic breeze was doing its thing, and the sun was slowly dipping behind the horizon. Honestly, it felt like the beer had been designed for that exact moment.
This is the kind of lager that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply keeps you company. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
Verdict
If you’re after a reliable, refreshing beer that won’t challenge your palate but will absolutely satisfy your thirst, this is it. A proper easy-drinker.
Best paired with: beach sunsets, fish and chips, and not checking your emails. 😄
🍫 Striped Horse Milk Stout – Creamy, Toasty, and Comfort in a Bottle
First Impressions
Now this one is a different beast altogether. Pour it out, and you’re greeted with a deep, dark colour and a creamy, inviting head. It looks rich. It looks indulgent. And it absolutely delivers.
The Taste
This Milk Stout is smooth. Very smooth.
It has a lovely creamy texture, with notes of roasted malt, coffee, and a subtle sweetness that rounds everything off beautifully. There’s a toasted character running through it that gives it depth without making it heavy.
And here’s the honest bit… for my admittedly unsophisticated palate, it compares very well with the famous Guinness. That same comforting richness. That same satisfying finish. Just with a slightly softer, sweeter edge.
Perfect Setting
While the lager was made for sunshine, this stout felt perfect for a cooler evening. Still in Cape Town, still by the sea, but with a light jacket on as the temperature dipped.
It’s the kind of beer you sip slowly. The kind you actually think about between mouthfuls. (Yes, even on holiday!)
Verdict
A beautifully balanced stout that manages to be both rich and approachable.
Best paired with: good conversation, a seaside chill, and maybe pretending you understand stout tasting notes better than you actually do. 😉
🌅 Cape Town, Beaches, and Brilliant Brews
What really made these beers special wasn’t just the taste. It was the setting.
Cape Town in autumn is something else. Warm days. Clear skies. And that unmistakable silhouette of Table Mountain watching over everything. Add in the quiet charm of Melkbosstrand, with its long, empty beaches and laid-back vibe, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a Sip of the Week that breaks tradition.
And honestly, that’s what travel (and good drinks) are all about. Trying something new. Finding unexpected favourites. And occasionally swapping your wine glass for a beer bottle without a second thought.
🍻 Final Thoughts
Striped Horse might not have the global fame of some big-name beers, but it absolutely holds its own. With roots linked to Cape Brewing Company, it brings both credibility and character to the table.
- The Premium Lager is your go-to refreshment. Simple, crisp, and endlessly drinkable.
- The Milk Stout is the surprise star. Creamy, toasty, and quietly indulgent.
Together, they make a brilliant duo. And a worthy exception to the usual wine-focused Sip of the Week.
Would I go back for more? Without hesitation.
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