The Sip #39 - Two Birds Taco
Long-time beer drinker and The Sip editor Ross Lewis puts some of Australia's top drops to the test.
Catch up with other beers on The Sip Archive
Throw in some mince and a mariachi band then you’d swear you were before a Mexican feast.
Unfortunately, the North American country is renowned for dumping a watery beer with the name of a broken down Toyota.
Yet an Australian brewer has produced a brew that is far more Mexican than Corona.
Indeed, Two Birds’ Taco beer lives up to its name. You could be convinced you were consuming a liquid meal complete with corn chips.
Interestingly, Taco is inspired more by bordering San Diego with its Mexican influence and passion for craft beer.
Two Birds’ brains trust Jayne Lewis and Dani Allen originally brewed Taco for the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular last year but it became so popular it has been added to the stable that also includes Bantam IPA, Sunset Ale and Golden Ale.
The latter two have a strong history and a mantle piece of medals to show their support.
Two Birds have also moved into a new set-up in Spotswood, Melbourne, meaning they are now able to produce their drinks just as they want them. Lewis and Allen had been relying on Gage Roads in Perth for their brewing.
The pair no doubt toasted their premises with a Taco because it is the perfect brew to refresh after plenty of hard work.
It is classified as a wheat beer because of its malts but it has strong lager tendencies, too.
The tortilla element comes through strongly in the taste. Corn was added late in the brewing process.
Coriander and lime are also present and give that unmissable Latin American flavour.
But nothing is too overpowering to detract from this as a crisp beer, great for drinking as the temperature gets a little warmer.
Its fruity nature also makes this a nice sessionable drink.
Two Birds have come up with a liquid piñata. Crack it open and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the mix of goodies inside.
The Sip Snip
Taco
Brewer: Two Birds, Victoria
Style: Wheat Beer
Alcohol content: 5.2%
Standard drinks: 2.1
Bitterness: 28IBU
Bottles: 500ml
Estimated calories: 156 (approx)
The Sip Tip (rating): Straight to the pool room
Average prices: $12 per bottle at Mane Liquor.
