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The Sip #20 - Two Birds Golden Ale

Long-time beer drinker Ross Lewis puts some of Australia's top drops to the test.

Catch up with other beers on The Sip Archive

It won’t be long before one of the unique acts in Australian craft brewing can truly take centre stage.

Don’t let the name lead you down the path of gender stereotyping. Two Birds Brewing make a couple of quality beers. The list of awards for their Sunset and Golden Ales prove their standing in the industry.

But Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen, the brewers behind the label, are soon to move into their own facility in the Melbourne suburb of Spotswood and then they will have the chance to shift a cog in terms of production.

The pair has been experimenting and their recent Taco beer has given the market a chance to see what will in store once Two Birds control their brewery.

For now, the Golden Ale is produced at licensed operators but that doesn’t diminish the standard of the beer. There is plenty of hands-on attention in their two main beverages.

Using wheat and Vienna malts, Two Birds have produced a wonderful sessional drink with the Golden Ale.

There is a great citrus aroma to the brew, a product of the Motueka hops, but there is also a strong undertone of orange in the taste.

It does have a pleasant hoppy kick with a slightly bitter finish, the result of the Southern Cross hops also used in the process. There is almost caramelised apple, possibly some other dried fruit in the taste.

This is the ideal six-pack for the Sunday afternoon visit to the mates.

Lewis had a strong association with Mountain Goat before branching out into her own business, so there is no doubting that some more great experimental beers are to come.

The Sip Snip
Two Birds Golden Ale
Brewer: Two Birds Brewing, Victoria
Style: Golden Ale/Blond Ale
Alcohol content: 4.4%
Standard drinks: 1.2
Bitterness: 20 IBU
Bottles: 330ml bottles
Estimated calories: 132
Awards: Silver, AIBA, 2012 (draught and packaged beer), Silver 2012 Perth Royal Show.

The Sip Tip (rating): A few to enjoy on a lazy Sunday.

Average prices: $4.50 (bottle), $22 (six-pack), $79 (carton of 24)