The Amber Cup returns to Shelly Beach on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and we're making an afternoon of it. Join us at The Branch for concentrate tasting and voting, music, something good to eat and a catch-up with the South Coast canna community.

We're hosting for the second year and have been confirmed as KZN's only Amber Cup tasting venue. Whether you're a Branch member or visiting for the first time, you're welcome to join us.

General Admission is R150 per person, plus Quicket booking fees. Your ticket includes entry, a tasting selection from the available competition entries, participation in the Amber Cup QR voting and access to our tasting and chill areas.

Book your ticket on Quicket.

How the Amber Cup grew

Organised by Fields of Green for ALL, the Amber Cup is a South African cannabis concentrates competition now in its seventh edition.

Judging previously centred on Jozi. In 2025, the competition expanded to include tasting sessions at venues around the country, giving more of the canna community a chance to take part. Votes from those sessions help determine which entries reach the national final.

The Branch was part of that expansion last year. We're pleased to be hosting again and giving our local community a place in the judging.

For more about the competition, read Fields of Green for ALL's Amber Cup announcement.

What are cannabis concentrates?

If you've heard people talking about rosin, shatter or wax, they're talking about concentrates.

Cannabis produces resin in tiny glands called trichomes. These contain cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, as well as terpenes that contribute to the plant's aroma. Concentrates collect and concentrate this resin.

The names can get confusing because some describe how a concentrate is made, while others describe its texture:

• Rosin is made using heat and pressure to press resin from cannabis flower or hash.
• Shatter describes a brittle, glass-like consistency.
• Wax and budder describe softer textures.

Texture alone doesn't tell you how strong a concentrate is or how good it will taste. Aroma and flavour give you other things to notice and compare, which is part of what makes a tasting interesting.

And what is dabbing?

Dabbing means heating a cannabis concentrate and inhaling the aerosol it produces, commonly called vapour. You'll usually see a dab rig or an electronic rig used for this.

If you already enjoy concentrates, the Amber Cup gives you a chance to compare competition entries and put your preferences into a vote. If the terminology or equipment is unfamiliar, ask our team to explain the process.

Concentrates can be considerably stronger than flower. Take your time, and don't feel you need to keep up with anyone else.

What's happening at The Branch?

There'll be a mix of music throughout the afternoon, including a special playlist from DJ Swampmatix. Give them a listen here.

The Escape Cart will be set up with charcuterie cups for something savoury and mini pancakes when you feel like a sweet treat. Food and drinks are available to purchase separately.

We're also looking forward to spending time with people from across the industry. Ami Heystek and Joanne Parry from Fields of Green for ALL are expected to join us, so there should be plenty to chat about beyond the entries themselves.

We'll have giveaways during the afternoon, and our community colour-in feature will be there for anyone who wants to add their mark.

You'll have access to the upstairs and downstairs tasting and chill areas, with a separate non-smoking patio for eating and taking a breather.

2025 Outside Chill area

Tasting and casting your votes

Check in inside The Branch with your ticket and valid photo ID, then collect your wristband. Our team will explain your tasting selection and how to submit your votes.

Voting takes place through the Amber Cup QR voting system on your own phone, so bring a charged smartphone.

Join us on 26 September

• Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
• Time: 13:00 to 19:00
• Venue: The Branch, The Emporium, 978 Kings Road, Shelly Beach
• General Admission: R150 per person, plus Quicket booking fees
• Last tasting check-in: 16:00
• Strictly 18+

Consumption is permitted only in designated areas. Please consume responsibly and arrange a sober lift home.

Book your Amber Cup tasting session ticket here.

If you joined us last year, we'd love to see you back. If this is your first visit, come meet the people who make up our South Coast canna community.

Follow The Branch's WhatsApp Channel for event updates. You can also find tickets and information for the national final at Fields of Green for ALL.