Beers of East Africa

This is my first blog so I'll apologise for the lack of creativity compared to Amy's writing. Sorry.

This blog is intended as a guide to Kenyan and Tanzanian beer and my opinions on all beers that I could get my hands on. I say beers, but unfortunately the beers have been exclusively bottled lagers (sorry to any real fans out there!). Although the cold lagers have been refreshing in this heat. Anyho (here's me pretending I know what I talk about when it comes to beer)!

East Africans love to name their beers after something they hold dear to their culture whether it be the greatest show on earth; Serengeti, the world's tallest free standing mountain; Kilimanjaro, or the anatomical part of an elephant who killed a brewer; Tusker.

Tusker, Kenya Breweries, Kenya and Tanzania

4.2% pale lager

Tusker is seen all over Kenya as "Kenya's favourite beer". Disappointing then to find out that it was made by two brothers from England. Deep malty beer with an almost unpleasant aftertaste.

First Drank in: Diani Beach, Kenya (First week in Kenya blog)

4/10

White Cap, Kenya Breweries, Kenya

4.2% pale lager

White cap is the lesser known sibling of Tusker, with less t-shirts and marketing. Don't let the lack of hype put you off, white cap has a good strength and balance. Nice and refreshing after a 9 hour bus journey from Nairobi to Mbita (Volunteering on Mfangano Island blog). Not entirely sure whether white cap is as good as I remember, but if I remember correctly this is my favourite east African beer.

First drank: Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya

7/10

Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian Breweries, Tanzania

4.5% pale lager

Named after Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro lager is refreshing but lacking in complexity. One of the three lagers made by Tanzania Breweries I have tried.

Light, savoury bread-like taste with a burnt smell.

First Drank: Blue Heron, Arusha, Tanzania

6/10 (3.07)

Kibo, Serengeti Breweries, Tanzania

5.5% Pale Lager

Again named after Africa's tallest mountain, Kibo (a volcanic cone forming the main summit of Mount Kilimanjaro) is a dark, cherry, savoury, bread-like tasting beer.

First Drank: Secret Garden Hotel, Moshi, Tanzania

5/10

Serengeti, Serengeti Breweries, Tanzania

4.8% pale lager

Serengeti is missing something - perhaps it's a name connected to Kilimanjaro! Very average lager resembling nameless branded lagers from the U.K. If I had to describe it however: hints of grapefruit, biscuity/grainy with no after taste at all.

First Drank: Siret Hostel, Arusha, Tanzania

4/10

Safari, Tanzania Breweries, Tanzania

5.5% pilsner

Otherwise known as Misingi and Thami meaning 'on' and 'worth' in Kiswahili. Deep and earthy taste with a citrusy aroma and velvety texture. This beer is one of my favourites.

First Drank: Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

6/10

Castle, South African Brewery, Tanzania

5.0% pale lager

Very average, this 'cas tall' beer (as the bar maid corrected my pronunciation) is a metallic tasting lager with no after taste.

Frist drank: Via Via, Arsuha, Tanzania

4/10 (2.9)

Pombe, East Africa

N/A (maybe 1-2) % traditional beer

Pombe meaning 'beer' in Kiswahili is a traditional beer found in rural villages in east africa. Sour even though its primary ingredient is sugar. Weak, no head, horrible aftertaste but cheap (1,000 TSH = 30p per jam jar)!

First drank: Mkuzi, West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

2/10