282: Shawn Bainbridge and Joran Van Ginderachter of Halfway Crooks Balance Expression and Control in Lager and Belgian Pale Ale

Halfway Crooks founders Shawn Bainbridge and Joran Van Ginderachter detail their technical, ingredient-focused approach to brewing lagers and Belgian-style ales. By sourcing hops directly from European farms and prioritizing precise water chemistry, they maintain consistent, high-quality profiles despite operating on a compact, direct-fire system. The discussion highlights their commitment to natural carbonation and the use of specific fermentation schedules to achieve balance, particularly in their Belgian pale ales. Rather than adhering to rigid historical dogmas, they treat recipe development as an iterative, data-driven process, constantly refining hop additions and yeast management to enhance drinkability. Their philosophy centers on creating an intimate, community-focused taproom experience where the beer serves as a bridge between traditional European brewing culture and modern American innovation.