Darling Brew has once again demonstrated why it remains one of South Africa’s leading craft breweries, taking home an impressive four medals at the 2026 African Beer Cup. Most notably, their Cape Chameleon Non-Alcoholic IPA secured a Gold Medal, officially earning the title of Africa’s best non-alcoholic beer.
Announced at BeerEx Africa in Cape Town on 23 May 2026, the awards saw Darling Brew excel across three different categories. Out of 43 beer categories and 244 entries from 16 African countries, these wins highlight the brewery’s steadfast commitment to quality, innovative recipes, and overall brewing excellence.
Darling Brew’s 2026 African Beer Cup Achievements
- Gold Medal: Cape Chameleon Non-Alcoholic IPA
- Silver Medal: Break Free Gluten Free Red Ale
- Bronze Medal: Cape Fox Non-Alcoholic Lager
- Bronze Medal: Godfather Rye IPA
- Bronze Medal: Warlord IPA
Innovation at the Heart of Darling Brew
“Three years ago, while visiting Kraków, I thought I had tasted the best non-alcoholic IPA in the world. That was until I tried Darling Brew’s Cape Chameleon,” says Kevin Wood, National Sales Manager at Darling Brew. “Cape Chameleon proves that craft, flavour and innovation can thrive without the alcohol.”
Angelique Kieser, Head Brewer at Darling Brew and the creator of the award-winning Cape Chameleon, notes the difficulty of the process: “Brewing a great non-alcoholic beer is one of the biggest challenges in modern brewing because there is nowhere to hide. To see Cape Chameleon recognised as the best non-alcoholic beer in Africa is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the passion, precision and creativity of our brewing team.”
The brewery’s CEO, Mario Delicio, emphasizes the importance of these wins in a rapidly growing market: “As we see increased competitiveness among the craft brewers on the African continent, innovation is one of the most important steps to stay ahead and bring the change the market embraces.”
A Legacy of Conservation and Quality
Over the years, Darling Brew has built a stellar reputation for producing premium craft beer inspired by nature and conservation, brewed on South Africa’s West Coast.
As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Darling Brew remains committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional craft brewing while delivering exceptional quality in every glass.
About Darling Brew: Since 2010, this company has been crafting award-winning beverages inspired by endangered species and driven by a deep passion for conservation.
From their home on the West Coast, they continue to produce a diverse range of premium beers that cater to both traditional craft enthusiasts and those seeking innovative non-alcoholic alternatives.
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