Baker prefaced his talk with an excellent video presentation on the history of beer making, the varieties of beer made around the world and the beer-making processes employed in various countries.
The Probians were fascinated to see that beer-making is an ancient food processing skill and how archaeological finds have revealed that the ingredients and methods employed date from as long ago as eight thousand years. It was also inte-resting to hear that the basic ingredients used over all the years have not changed essentially, despite technological and industrial advances over time.
The presentation also confirmed that beer is a nutritional beverage and that it has played an important role in the nou-rishment and survival of human groups through the ages.
Baker pointed out to the audience that SCB aligns itself with the regulatory standards governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages to the public.
In this, they fully endorse the common sense rule that, as with other food products, it makes no sense to over- imbibe.
"Too much of any food can be harmful to one's health," he said, "Besides, when you gorge on any food or drink, you can no longer enjoy its flavour and appreciate the pleasure it can bring". He continued, "The same applies to alcoholic beverages such as beer.
That's what we mean by the slogan 'Drink Responsibly'. We all have a responsibility not only to ourselves, but to others as well."
Baker then described how he and his partners at SCB had entered into commercial brewing through first making beer as a hobby and then establishing a business, when they were told (by experts) that they were good at it.
He explained how SCB had only started production and entry into the market in September 2012 after an intense spell of research and planning to ensure that they would use the most appropriate plant and equipment to develop the most suitable beer 'designs' for the local consumers' tastes. To this end, SCB has sourced leading-edge plant and equipment, together with technical support from within the heartland of World brewing tradition in Eastern Europe. He pointed out that being a 'Micro-Brewery' does not imply that the brewery is a home-made amateurish enterprise. Baker described how Micro Brewing, or Craft Brewing as it is sometimes referred to, is a worldwide specialist phenomenon that is also well-established in South Africa, with many fine brews and products being made available in the regions where they have developed.
SCB's initial brewing production is that of their Glenhoff Draught Lager. Baker said that SCB is well on their way with their marketing plan, which is to first concentrate on distribution through retail outlets such as pubs, hotels and licensed clubs in and around Mossel Bay and George. This is now extending to include outlets elsewhere along the Garden Route and Southern Cape, with requests for supply to Cape Town also being serviced.
The Probus members were also interested to learn that as part of a diligent attention to quality, purity and strict hygiene in terms of the famous ancient German tradition of 'Reinheitsgebod' (only water, grain, hops and yeast - no additives), SCB has installed one of the most efficient reverse osmosis-process water purification plants in Africa to provide the best water for their brews. This water purification plant also enables them to supply a spin-off business, namely, the bottled pure water brand GlenAqua, which reveals the 'Glen' link to Glenhoff.
Baker went on to describe how they were now busy with the next important phase of their business development, which involves the installation of a modern beer bottling plant and the launch of a range of bottled beer brands onto the market in the second half of the year.
He concluded by emphasising that SCB is dedicated to being a "Proudly Mossel Bay" business enterprise.
The Probus members then enjoyed a sample quaffing of Glenhoff Draught and pronounced it to be excellent with a hearty 'Cheers' to the brewery's success.
Probus is a Fellowship Club for retired men and women who have worked in positions of leadership as professionals, business people and/or academics. For more information, contact Lesley Phillips at 044 693 4016.
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Probus Mossel Bay recently hosted Johann Baker as guest speaker at their monthly lunch meeting. He is a founding partner and CEO of South Cape Breweries, the first micro-brewery established in Mossel Bay. Shown with Baker after his talk are Probus members: (left to right) Roger Bennett, Norman Trethewey, Margret Trethewey (seated), Johann Baker and Probus Club President, Rob Phillips.
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