The University of the Free State (UFS) showcased its innovation-driven student talent as the Kovsie Brew team secured multiple awards at the 2025 Intervarsitybrew™: Brewing and Tasting Challenge – South Africa’s premier student brewing competition.
The three-day competition, held in Bloemfontein from 23 to 25 October 2025, featured participants from 17 universities and a chef school, highlighting its growing national reputation. Each team was challenged to brew six different beers and design an original label, while taking part in presentations, sensory training, blind tastings conducted by qualified judges, and technical sessions led by industry experts. The Intervarsitybrew™ also promotes responsible drinking while celebrating scientific knowledge, creativity, and collaboration.
Representing the UFS, the Kovsie Brew team, consisting of eight student brewers – Casey van Baalen, Jana Bischoff, Ruan Jacobs, Tyla Baker, Joni Muller, Martin Visser, Hendre Heymans, and team captain Azil Coertzen – was guided by mentors Dr Vaughn Swart, Dr Christopher Rothmann, and Prof Errol Cason. The team worked throughout the year to refine their craft and push boundaries in student brewing.
In 2025, the Kovsie team brewed an impressive 14 beers, experimenting with different styles and flavour profiles. They hosted tasting sessions with mentors and peers, attended the Clarens Beer Festival for industry feedback, assisted with the brewing of 500 litres of pale ale at the UFS Paradys Experimental Farm, and actively participated in Free State Fermenters meetings – where some members earned awards based on Beer Judge Certification Programme (BJCP) standards.
Award-winning brews with standout creativity and technical excellence
For this year’s Intervarsitybrew™, the team presented six competition beers:
- Hazy IPA (IPA category) – A hop-forward, tropical brew that won first place in its category.
- British Ordinary Bitter (Summer category) – A refreshing, malt-driven ale showcasing classic English brewing.
- Coffee Imperial Stout (Aged category) – A dark, flavourful stout praised for its smooth finish.
- Margarista Gose (Wild category) – A citrus-inspired, tart beer earning second place in the African Wild Ale category.
- Jalapeño Sour (Sour category) – A daring blend of heat and acidity, taking third place in the Sour/Fruit Beer category.
- Czech Lager (Lager category) – A clean, crisp lager representing traditional European brewing.
Their standout performance earned them three major accolades:
- Best IPA – Hazy IPA (sponsored by Fermentis and Anton Paar)
- Second place: African Wild Ale – Margarista Gose (sponsored by SAB and Heineken Beverages)
- Third place: Sour/Fruit Beer – Jalapeño Sour (sponsored by Shimadzu)
Reflecting on the team’s success, mentor Dr Vaughn Swart expressed his pride: “After the disappointment of a total loss last year, their determination and creativity truly shone through. Watching them transform into success has been deeply inspiring. Their growth, not just as brewers but as passionate, resilient individuals, reminds me why mentorship and shared passion matter so much. This year’s wins are a testament to the team’s perseverance and to the spirit of Kovsie excellence.”
The Kovsie Brew Team extended its gratitude to its supporters – the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG), and LiquidCulture Yeast – as well as the Intervarsitybrew™ organisers for continuing to foster a vibrant brewing culture at the UFS.
The UFS proudly celebrates the Kovsie Brew team’s achievements, which reflect the institution’s commitment to nurturing innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence – brewed to perfection, the Kovsie way.