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A half and half is a combination of two beverages, in equal parts, and can be applied to a variety of drinks, including alcoholic beverages. In the context of whiskey and beer, a half and half typically refers to a specific drink where a half pint of beer is combined with a half gill of whiskey. This drink is also known as a boilermaker.

The half and half has different variations around the world. In Scotland, a hauf an a hauf is a wee hauf glass of whisky and half an imperial pint of beer. In the North East of England, a half and half is a combination of Scotch ale and India Pale Ale (IPA). In Copenhagen, Denmark, a half and half is a mixture of dark beer and pilsner (lager).

When preparing a half and half, it is important to layer the drinks correctly to achieve the desired effect. The beer with the lower relative density, such as a nitro stout, is floated on top of the lighter beer, such as a pale ale, pilsner, or lager. This creates a visually appealing layered drink where the two beverages remain separated.

While the specific brands and types of beer and whiskey used can vary, the half and half is a versatile drink that can be customised according to personal preferences.

What is a 'half and half'?

A "half and half" is a drink consisting of two different beverages, usually in equal parts. The term "half and half" is used to refer to various combinations of beverages, including dairy products, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks.

In the context of alcoholic beverages, a "half and half" typically refers to a combination of two different types of beer or a combination of beer and a spirit, such as whisky. The specific beverages used can vary depending on regional preferences and traditions.

One common version of the "half and half" drink involves layering a nitro stout, such as Guinness or Murphy's, on top of a lighter beer, such as a pale ale, pilsner, or lager. This creates a visually appealing drink with distinct layers of contrasting colours. The lower relative density of the stout allows it to float on top of the first layer of beer.

In Scotland, a "half and half" or a "hauf an a hauf" is a combination of a "wee hauf" glass of whisky (one-quarter gill or 36 ml) and a half imperial pint (280 ml) of beer. This combination provides a long drink and a whisky chaser, with each component containing approximately the same amount of alcohol.

In some parts of the world, the term "black and tan" is used to describe a similar drink, typically made with Guinness and a lager or ale. However, the term "black and tan" is considered offensive in Ireland due to its association with the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force, who were nicknamed "Black and Tans" for their uniforms and gained a reputation for police brutality in the 1920s.

How to make a 'half and half'

The "half and half" is a combination of two beverages, mixed in equal parts. The term is used to refer to a variety of drinks, depending on the region. In Scotland, a "half and a half" or a "hauf an a hauf" is a combination of whisky and beer. Here is a guide on how to make a "half and half":

Steps to Make a "Half and Half"

• Fill the glass halfway with a Pale Ale. This will serve as the base layer of your drink.
• Place a beer layering spoon over the glass. You can also use a regular tablespoon or a specially designed "black-and-tan" spoon, which is bent in the middle to balance on the glass for easier pouring.
• Slowly pour the stout over the spoon so that it trickles down gently into the glass. This step will create the distinct layers of the drink.
• Let the drink sit for a few seconds to allow the stout to cascade and create a layered effect.

Tips for Making a "Half and Half"

• Use a straight, regular tall pint glass or mug. Curved glasses tend to cause the layers to mix.
• Use Guinness or Murphy's NITRO in a can with a widget to ensure the stout floats. Bottled Guinness will not work for this drink.
• Make two drinks at once to avoid having opened beers going to waste.
• If you are in an Irish pub, avoid ordering a "half and half" as a "Black and Tan". This term has negative connotations in Ireland due to its association with the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force.

The history of the 'half and half'

The "Half and Half" is a drink with a long history that has evolved and taken on different forms around the world.

In Britain, a "half and half" may refer to a mixture of mild ale and bitter. In the North East of England, the same request would produce a combination of Scotch ale and India Pale Ale (IPA). This drink fell out of favour when the Scottish & Newcastle brewery sold many of its tied public houses and McEwan's Scotch and IPA disappeared from public bars across the region.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, ordering a "half and half" will get you a mixture of dark beer and pilsner (lager). The dark beer is a Danish version of an Imperial stout-type beer, called a "porter", which is a little sweeter than a Guinness.

In Canada and the United States, "half and half" usually refers to a light cream used in coffee, containing half milk and half cream. However, a "Black and Tan" refers to a half-and-half combination of Guinness and a lager or ale, most commonly Bass Ale. Some Irish-themed bars avoid this term due to its association with the Royal Irish Constabulary's "Black and Tans" force. In the US, a "Half and Half" is specifically Guinness and Harp, while a "Blacksmith" is Guinness and Smithwick's.

In Scotland, a "half and half" or "hauf an a hauf" is a "wee hauf" glass of whisky (36 ml) and one-half imperial pint of beer (280 ml).

In Belgium, a "half and half" or "half en half" is a mixture of white wine and champagne. Originally, it was a mixture of two different typical beer types from Brussels: 50% lambic and 50% faro.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia, "half and half" or "pola pola" is a slang term for the drink spritzer, made with equal parts of white wine or rosé wine and carbonated water.

'Half and half' in Scotland

"Hauf an a hauf" (half and a half) is a Scottish tradition involving a glass of whisky and a half-pint of beer. The whisky is typically a "wee hauf" (one-quarter gill or 35-36ml) and the beer is a half-imperial pint (280ml). While the specific whisky and beer used can vary, a common combination is Tennent's Lager with Bell's or Famous Grouse whisky.

The "hauf an a hauf" is a cultural institution in Scotland, where it is a way to savour and enjoy two drinks at once, rather than a quick way to get drunk. It is an experience that invites relaxation and camaraderie, often involving good conversation and a slow pace.

The tradition of the "hauf an a hauf" dates back to before the UK's Weights and Measures Act of 1824, when Scotland had its own set of standard measurements. The "wee hauf" of whisky was typically a quarter gill, which is close to the modern standard measure of 35ml. The "hauf" of beer, or half-pint, remains a common quantity for a small beer in Scotland even today.

While the "hauf an a hauf" may be less common among younger generations in Scotland, it remains a unique and cherished part of Scottish drinking culture.

'Half and half' in the US

In the United States, a "half and half" typically refers to a dairy product made from a mixture of milk and cream, often used in coffee. However, the term can also be used to describe various beverages made from equal parts of two different substances, including alcoholic drinks.

In the US, a "half and half" drink can refer to a combination of whisky and beer, with the beer element usually being a lager or an IPA. This combination is also known as a "Black and Tan", although this term is controversial due to its association with a British paramilitary group that attempted to suppress the Irish Independence movement in the early 1920s.

A "half and half" can be made by pouring a glass of beer halfway, then carefully pouring a stout beer over a spoon to fill the rest of the glass. This creates a layered effect, with the stout floating on top of the beer due to its lower density.

While the specific beers used can vary, common combinations include Guinness and Bass, or Guinness and Harp Lager. Some establishments may also offer pre-mixed combinations, such as Shock Top's Chocolate Wheat and Belgium White.

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