Umqombothi Beer

Wild African Soul is a Wild Ale inspired by Africa’s Ancient Grain, a remarkably easy drinking collab between Soul Barrel Brewery and Tolokazi. This beer reimagines traditional sorghum beer by marrying European barrel ageing techniques with African sour mashing and natural fermentation methods. The transformation is one of the most wine-like beers you’ve ever had, with sauvignon blanc-like layers of creamy pear, citrus fruits and honey that melt into a dry, funky barrel character. The earthy notes of sorghum grain are beautifully balanced by a lively acidity, making this beer delicious and refreshing.

This limited-release beer is the product of intricate brewing processes and expert blending. We started by brewing a batch of Umqombothi, using a traditional sour mash and allowing it to ferment spontaneously on the grain. After straining, the beer was blended into a barrel with a European farmhouse ale, which had undergone spontaneous, open fermentation. This blend was then aged in the oak barrel for three yeas, resulting in a complex, multi-layered flavour profile.