Suburban daringly launched their label with a Black IPA, which was soon followed by an ESB, but it was the addition of the their pale ale in late 2017 that really got people talking. Not because it pushed the boundaries or because it was laden to the eyeballs with adjuncts, but because it was approachable, full of flavour, clean and sessionable. The No.2 pale ale was also noticed that year by The Crafty Pint team, receiving an honourable mention in the 2017 best new SA beers for that year.
Today, the pale ale is one of their best-sellers and, whereas a lot of pale ales of the market take on a tropical twist, Suburban’s No.2 hangs from the citrus trees. Light orange or a darker yellow in colour, it leeches aromas of orange juice and grapefruit zest. The medium body carries a light carbonation where more orange lurks, followed by some bready, biscuity malts and more grapefruit at the end. A pale such as this must have a dry finish and a restrained but noticeable bitterness, which it does, ready to lure the drinker in for a few more.
Matt King