For South African beer drinkers tired of predictable lagers, shelves now carry a quiet revolution. The big names still rule fridges and braais, yet a clutch of craft and imports offers something genuinely different. These are not novelty picks, but statements in flavour, quality, and tradition.

Start in Bavaria with Erdinger Weissbier, a classic wheat beer that balances clove, soft banana, and brisk carbonation. It delivers a polished finish that feels a world away from mass production. You should be able to pick up a case of 24 cans for R669.

Closer to home, Jack Black Original Brewers Lager brings an unapologetic craft character and a loyal following. It drinks clean and malt forward, made for weekend braais and easy sessions, with a case of 24 cans going for about R360.

Belgium’s De Poes Export Pilsner offers continental snap and a bright, grain-true profile that stays crisp from first sip to last. For local buyers, a 24 x 340 ml case will set you back about R500, a fair ticket to European pedigree.

Devil’s Peak Premium Lite keeps afternoons light without throwing flavour overboard. It is built for long sessions and hot days, with a 6 x 330 ml pack going for about a hundred bucks, an easy grab for the cooler.

For those skipping alcohol, Bavaria’s flavoured malt range keeps the ritual intact with bright fruit over gentle malt. Strawberry leads the line at about R389 for a 24 x 330 ml case.

These five options break the standard routine and invite a taste of the world beyond the ordinary. For curious drinkers ready to explore, today’s shelves offer more than the familiar.