After pouring a brown, gritty liquid from a large silver tank into a refractometer, South African brewing master Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela expresses her approval to students, who enthusiastically share their observations. "When you are brewing, you must constantly check your mixture," she emphasizes, highlighting the need for balance between sugar and grains.

At 41, Nxusani-Mawela is a pioneering figure as the first Black woman to own a craft brewery in South Africa. Her goal is to broaden access to the multibillion-dollar beer industry for more Black individuals and women. At her microbrewery in Johannesburg, she trains 13 young Black graduates, most of whom are women, in the brewing craft.

The students come from backgrounds in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or analytical chemistry and are eager to gain qualifications specific to brewing. During their extensive six-hour class, they learn various brewing techniques such as malting, mashing, and fermentation—all essential steps in brewing quality beer. "My favorite part is the mashing," says Lerato Banda, a 30-year-old chemical engineering student aiming to launch her own beverage line. "It’s where the beer and everything starts."

Nxusani-Mawela’s Brewsters Academy, where the classes began in early June, focuses on beer varieties from around the world and Africa. Students will complete a six-month hands-on experience in addition to their lessons.

Located in Johannesburg’s Wynberg suburb, Nxusani-Mawela’s Tolokazi brewery lies between the poorer township of Alexandra and the affluent financial district of Sandton, often referred to as Africa’s richest square mile. She grew up in Butterworth—about 621 miles away—and was inspired by a university event to pursue a career in brewing. Initially, she began brewing as an amateur in 2007, combining her passion for business and science, leveraging her microbiology degree.

Nxusani-Mawela is committed to transforming the beer industry for future generations. "I wanted to ensure that being the first Black female to own a brewery in South Africa, I’m not the first and the last," she states. Her aim is to normalize the presence of Black individuals and women in the industry over the next decade.

The South African beer industry generates over $5.2 billion for the country’s economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs. Despite its male-dominated nature, there are ongoing initiatives to incorporate more women.

Lehlohonolo Makhethe, a 24-year-old student, acknowledges the historical connection between women and brewing in some African cultures. She believes acquiring these skills is reclaiming their traditional roles. "How it got male dominated, I don’t know," she remarks, adding, "we are going back to our roots as women."

Nxusani-Mawela also emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional African beer styles. Her award-winning Wild African Soul beer, which brings together elements of Umqombothi (a traditional African beer made from maize and sorghum) and Belgian Saison, showcases this vision. "Umqombothi is our African way, and everybody should know how to make it, but we don’t," she reflects, highlighting her desire to merge the past with contemporary brewing.

Utilizing unique South African flavors, her Tolokazi line includes beers infused with marula fruit and rooibos, typically known for its tea. A festival participant, Lethabo Seipei Kekae, expressed surprise at enjoying rooibos beer, stating, "It’s so smooth. Even if you are not a beer drinker, you can drink it.

The Friends of Findley State Park, Inc. held a successful root beer float social on July 5, drawing over 100 attendees to raise funds for the park. Tricia Andel, the organization’s president, expressed optimism about their goals despite recent budget cuts affecting park operations.

The event took place from 1 to 3 p.m. beside the campground’s shelter house, which was built in 2002 with funds raised by the Friends. Each root beer float, sold for $2, was made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. The organization hosts root beer socials over Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

This year’s primary fundraising goal is to complete pickleball courts near the boat ramp within the camping area. The necessary concrete pad for the four-court setup was poured at the end of June, with a total project cost of approximately $16,000. The group received a $7,400 grant from the Lorain County Public Health’s Healthy Places grant program.

The next fundraising event, the Forest Frolic Trail Race and Hike, is set for July 12. Although the Friends of Findley started fundraising in 2002, they were officially established as a non-profit organization in 2004. Their mission focuses on building new attractions and preserving Findley State Park, which spans 838 acres of wooded land and features a large lake, providing opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking.

For more information on the Friends of Findley’s fundraising activities or to register for the Forest Frolic, visit www.friendsoffindley.org.

During my recent interrailing trip across Europe, I had the opportunity to visit Munich, often celebrated as the beer capital of Europe due to its famous Oktoberfest festival. While staying in the city center, I made an essential decision that transformed my visit: venturing out to local parks to experience Munich’s vibrant beer gardens.

Munich is filled with popular tourist attractions such as Marienplatz and the BMW Museum, which are undoubtedly worth seeing. However, what makes a trip to this German city truly special is the chance to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. I was thrilled to discover the lush parks that host stunning beer gardens, a beloved local pastime.

One of the highlights of my botanical exploration was Cafe Gans am Wasser, located in Westpark. This delightful spot is known for its quirky furniture and variety of beer options, all enjoyed in a charming atmosphere. It quickly became a favorite of mine during my stay.

Moreover, Munich’s beer culture thrives not only through its renowned festival but also year-round, drawing thousands of beer enthusiasts. Whether embarking on a beer tour or simply enjoying a cold brew in a local garden, the experience is rich and fulfilling.

In my park wanderings, I also discovered Olympiapark, which is adorned with hills offering breathtaking views and insights into the city’s Olympic history. There, locals lounged peacefully, sharing laughter and stories on sunny afternoons. The English Gardens captivated me with winding trails, open spaces, and serene rivers, presenting an inviting locale to sip beer and savor traditional Bavarian cuisine.

While Munich’s city center is bustling with bars, the real charm lies in these peaceful parks where Munich residents unwind. Other beer gardens on my list that I didn’t explore include Hirschgarten, Flaucher, and Aumeister—each promising their own unique experiences.

Before leaving for Stuttgart, I made sure to stop by Nymphenburg Palace, a magnificent green space that showcased impeccable landscaping. My three days spent in Munich were filled with unforgettable moments, largely thanks to the beer gardens tucked away in the city’s beautiful landscapes.

For anyone planning a visit, I highly recommend stepping outside the city’s tourist traps and embracing the ambiance of Munich’s local parks and beer gardens.

Visit Munich for more insights on hidden gems in the city.

In celebration of Independence Day, the story reminds us of the challenging journey of 10 Barrel Brewing as it attempted to enter the competitive San Diego beer market. When it opened its East Village brewpub in May 2017, a group of local brewers and beer enthusiasts protested with a banner reading “10 Barrel is Not Craft Beer,” reflecting the local craft community’s resistance to corporate breweries.

Though 10 Barrel’s closure in late 2020 was attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, it was also a product of the unwelcoming attitude of craft beer fans towards corporate brewers. The definition of "craft beer," traditionally associated with small and independent breweries, has evolved over time, leading to significant acquisitions of once-independent brands like Ballast Point and Saint Archer, which experienced public boycotts and ultimately ceased operations after being purchased by larger corporations.

Notably, the craft beer scene has seen major shifts as some previously independent breweries, such as Lagunitas and New Belgium, have become part of larger beverage conglomerates. This transformation raises questions about the future of craft beer’s identity, as Erik Fowler from the San Diego Brewers Guild acknowledges the fluidity of the term and how consumer perceptions define it today.

Meanwhile, the landscape for San Diego breweries is evolving. One notable partnership is between the Cohn Restaurant Group and Tarantula Hill Brewing, which creates various beers, including a Mexican lager for its La Mesa locations. Additionally, Brewery X has recently launched a new session ale at the Sheraton San Diego Resort.

As part of the craft beer scene’s heritage, certain established brands like Samuel Adams and Sierra Nevada continue to provide satisfying options for fans. The once clear distinctions between craft and corporate are becoming more complex, leading consumers to redefine their preferences in the evolving market.