“I don’t really talk about my beers much,” 2 Halfs co-founder and brewer Kirk Bozinovski tells me when I pick up this batch of limited releases from their family-run brewery. Luckily for him, his beers speak for themselves, and word is they’re pretty good.
The first can off the rank is Kirk’s latest iteration of their Eveleigh Green Pale Ale, a brewery staple now with a lower ABV that takes its name from their local park in Alexandria, Sydney. With a golden amber glow and a slight haze, a spritely dose of Citra and Mosaic hops imbues bursts of citrus, stone fruit and green melon, with a resiny finish to close the show. It’s solid, refreshing and great for drinking in greens, or any type of park really.
2 Halfs have forged a fierce reputation for their European-inspired brews (Kirk is German and has been brewing for 30-plus years) and this Dunkel is delicious proof. Sporting a deep ruby-brown colour topped with an off-white head, the dark lager brings a deftly-balanced blend of dark toasted bread, biscuit and chocolate that’s full-flavoured and too easy to drink. Peppered with light spicy, earthy notes from Perle and Hersbrucker hops, it’s the ideal dark drop to welcome autumn and its colder temps with open arms.
After the German Dunkel, we cross the border for a pair of Belgian twins (not identical) with De Petite Belgian Pale Ale and De Blonde Belgian Blonde Ale. Intended as an entry-level opener to the big, bold world of Belgians without overloading the ABV on your first date, De Petite offers a smooth and elegant session ale that’s still got plenty going on to reach for a second one.
Pouring a rich copper colour with a generous head, the beer teases a delicate caramel malt sweetness with a dry, moreish finish. Combined with the gentle, woody aromatics of Fuggle hops and a slight dash of clove-like phenols, it’s easy-drinking, intriguing and the perfect primer for boozier Belgians waiting at the bar.
Which is where De Blonde comes in. This blonde bombshell shines with its golden hue and glassy clarity, but definitely packs a heavier punch under that pretty pour courtesy of its 6.8 percent ABV. The warm burn of alcohol is prominent but it’s nicely mingled with honeyed malty notes and soft citrus esters. Throw in a creamy, full mouthfeel and it’s very smooth and very satisfying.
Jason Treuen
Published March 7, 2024 2024-03-07 00:00:00
