Beer with the Brewer — Two Mates Brewing

Dec 3, 2025

By Nisha Vashisht

Beer with the Brewer — Two Mates Brewing

We sat down for a beer with

BEER WITH THE BREWER — TWO MATES BREWING

GRANT SMITH & ANDREW NEWTON

1. How was the brewery named?

Two Mates: Hockey mates for far to many years, so why not open a brewery.

2. What beers do you have at home in your fridge now?

Chook – I like to try a few different crafties in the market, whilst always having my Two Mates fav’s on hand. Two Mates Kiwi Hazee Lager in the kegerator, and cans of Lager and Cali Chill in the fridge. And a couple of Sunday Road Limited’s in the fridge as well Shadow – Our Two Mates 5th Wheel Mid IPL is my go to beer, it simply goes with everything 😊. with our Mandarin Neipa on the kegerator

3. Best tip for visiting the brewery?

Chook – Make sure you have Plan B sorted .. the beers and the venue are that good Shadow – Bring your friends and bring your family along, it’s a great space for the kids, so you can enjoy the space that we have created.

4. Pineapple on pizza, YES or NO?

Chook & Shadow – NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

5. If you can only use one hop for the rest of your life, what is it?

Chook – Nectaron

6. If you could collaborate with one other brewery, who would you choose?

Chook – Sunday Road make some crackin beers. Shadow –Another little favourite would be Physco Suzies out in Warwick

7. Some occasions call for the ‘perfect’ beer, what are you reaching for:

a beach beer? Chook Lovemore Hazy Pale Ale / Shadow – 5th Wheel
an airport beer? Chook – Lovemore Hazy Pale Ale / Shadow – 5th Wheel
the end of the day beer? Chook – Lovemore Hazy Pale Ale / Shadow – 5th Wheel
the ‘best beer with dinner’ beer? Chook – Lovemore Hazy Pale Ale / Shadow – 5th Wheel
to kick back and watch sport with? Chook – Lovemore Hazy Pale Ale / Shadow – 5th Wheel as it is simply the best beer .. mind you our Hippy Hop Hazy IPA, Mandarin NEIPA and Cali Chill WC Hazy IPA all bloody good .. and the Kiwi Hazee Lager at 4% – so easy to drink on a hot day.

8. What’s the future of craft and can Craft Cartel beer lovers get on board? Head Brewer: Michael (Govs) McGovern

here is a bright future for craft beer in Australia. Craft has its place, and it can grow its share vs the big boys. Craft offers diversity in tastes, styles and provides the punter with something a little different, they can always go back to other, but they know about what craft can offer. Expanding and targeting new customers is always challenging, but the more the love is spread the more craft in general grows!

Cheers!