We’ve built more than a world-class beer manufacturing company together – we’ve inspired dreams of bigger tomorrows; we’ve co-created a formula for inclusive social and economic development across our country; we’ve even formulated recipes for perfect moments like the #NBLCentenary, Together. Thank you.
Your close ties, involvement and dedication to NBL as well as your knowledge of NBL’s history, rich memories and anecdotes are invaluable and vital for us to document and share; thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share your recollections of our journey together.
Inspired to continue his father’s legacy of perseverance, endurance and a distinct passion for brewing excellence, Karl Werner List (pictured here) – son of original founder, Carl List – took over the reins and full ownership of NBL (then SWB) in 1965.
Over a century’s worth of memories together, and now we want to hear yours.
Until the late 1800’s, beer in the then South West Africa, was imported from Germany. The imported beer had a high alcohol content to preserve it during the long journey to Namibia by sea. It quickly became obvious that the beer was too strong for consumption in the hot African climate. It is then that entrepreneurs started brewing beer locally.
By 1920 four local breweries had been established, namely: Omaruru Brauerei, Kronenbrauerei in Swakopmund, Klein Windhoek Brauerei as well as Felsenkeller Brauerei, both in Windhoek.
In the same year, the four breweries were acquired by Carl List and Hermann Ohlthaver who then amalgamated these into the South West Breweries (SWB) and with its location in Windhoek. Follow our milestones here.
