MEDIA RELEASE Ref. No. 127 NBL Rreinheitsgebot 500-year anniversary celebrations kick-off Windhoek, 25 April 2016 Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group officially kicked off its celebrations of the 500 th anniversary of the Beer Purity Law of 1516, The Reinheitsgebot at a special event at the old breweries in Tal Street, now the Warehouse. NBL on Saturday, 23 April celebrated this old age tradition in every way possible - from a three-course meal by Chef Christie Keulder incorporating different NBL beers and beer ingredients in the dishes, to an exciting display of the NBL story and its relationship with the Reinheitsgebot - accompanied by entertainment from original musicians such as Big Ben and the Roadhouse Blues Band, to compliment the authenticity celebrated. Some of the special guests included the German and EU Ambassadors; NBL suppliers, customers, other stakeholders and representatives from the media fraternity. O&L Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme delivered the keynote address and highlighted NBL s passionate commitment to the Reinheitsgebot. Thieme: In 1920, passionate German brewers brewed beer fit for the dry hot Namibian climate, using only the best ingredients. In fact, they were so passionate about only the best ingredients that, - when during the second world war, when good ingredients were scarce, they decided to close the brewery for a couple of months because they refused to brew with anything but the best. While those brewers are no longer here this passion has remained. Today, Namibian brewers, - as diverse as Namibia herself, - trained for three years in Namibia before an intensive 9-month training and certification in Germany, - brew pure beer according to the age old tradition of the Reinheitsgebot. This is not the cheapest way of brewing, nor is it easy but it is true to our value Naturally Today for Tomorrow which not only speaks to our sustainability agenda, but our commitment to natural goodness. NBL Managing Director, Wessie van der Westhuizen during his address expressed gratitude on the relationships that contributed to the successful NBL story and its commitment to the Reinheistgebot. Van der Westhuizen: Until quite recently, NBL was the only commercial brewery in sub-saharan Africa upholding this strict brewing tradition. I am therefore pleased to welcome you all to a celebration of our proud history and heritage. What makes this even more special is that while we look back at our history, we realise that our amazing relationships over the years with special partners, is a key ingredient to our success thus far.
One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation by Dutch historian Tycho van der Hoog. He presented his findings on his research on the origin of Namibian beer, and left the audience in awe. A special pop-up museum which tells the NBL story and its relationship with the Reinheitsgebot educated guests with information many described as fascinating. NBL Head Brewer, Christian Müller then made use of the opportunity to teach guests how to pour the perfect beer. O&L Group Manager: Procurement, and member of the RHG 500-year celebrations committee, Christin Obst: Although Saturday night s event was the ultimate birthday bash, as the Reinheitsgebot was introduced on 23 April 500 years ago, we still have an exciting line-up of activities for the rest of the year, which will provide NBL consumers and the general public the opportunity to participate in the celebrations. The traditional Xwama restaurant in Wanaheda, Katutura will be one of the hosts for upcoming activities, which includes special food pairings during May and June. Regular updates of activities in celebration of the Reinheitsgebot 500-year anniversary will feature on the O&L Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ohlthaverlist The pop-up museum will be at the Namibia Tourism Expo from 19 to 21 May for the general public to experience. Other activities include celebrations at Strand Hotel Swakopmund during the month of May which include special meal and beer pairings. Beer festivals are also scheduled for Windhoek on 23 September and in the North on 18 November. Ends, Francios Olivier Group Journalist & Creative Writer Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies c/o Fidel Castro and Independence Avenue Tel: 061-2075207 Fax: 061-255599