Beer And Bourbon: The Perfect Pairing Guide

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from at least 51% corn, complemented by grains like malted barley, rye, and wheat. It is famous for its trademark dark flavour profile, often with hints of vanilla and caramel, and is typically consumed neat or on the rocks. However, bourbon is also a versatile cocktail ingredient, with its robust flavour profile making it a popular choice for drinks such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Mint Julep. When it comes to pairing bourbon with beer, various combinations can be explored, including IPAs, stouts, and pilsners.

Beer and bourbon pairings

Beer and bourbon are two classic drinks that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While some prefer to stick to one or the other, combining the two can create a unique and flavourful experience. Here are some ideas for beer and bourbon pairings to elevate your drinking experience:

• The Classic Boilermaker: This pairing typically involves a shot of bourbon served alongside a beer. The choice of bourbon and beer can vary according to personal preference. A popular combination is a shot of Rittenhouse 100 or High West Double Rye with a hoppy IPA. The vegetal notes of these bourbons complement the bitterness of the IPA.
• Pilsner and Old Fashioned Bourbon: A crisp and refreshing Pilsner beer pairs well with the complex flavours of an Old Fashioned bourbon. The carbonation and light flavour of the Pilsner provide a nice contrast to the boldness of the bourbon.
• Stout and Cask-Strength Bourbon: A rich and creamy stout beer, such as a barrel-aged or imperial stout, pairs exceptionally well with a cask-strength bourbon. The high alcohol content and robust flavours of the stout can stand up to the intense flavours of the bourbon.
• Hefeweizen and Bourbon: Hefeweizen, a German wheat beer with notes of banana and clove, can complement the sweetness of certain bourbons. The combination creates a harmonious blend of flavours.
• IPA and Bourbon: India Pale Ales (IPAs) are known for their strong hoppy character, and when paired with the right bourbon, they can create an intriguing contrast. The bitterness of the IPA can balance out the sweetness of certain bourbons, especially those with notes of vanilla and caramel.
• Dark Beer and Bourbon: Darker beers, such as scotch ales or porters, tend to have stronger flavours that can stand up to the boldness of bourbon. The roasted malt character of these beers complements the oak and spice notes commonly found in bourbons.

When pairing beer and bourbon, it's important to consider the flavour profiles of both the beer and the bourbon. Look for complementary or contrasting flavours that will enhance your drinking experience. Additionally, the order in which you consume the beer and bourbon can also impact the overall taste sensation. Experiment with different combinations and find the pairings that suit your palate.

Beer and bourbon boilermakers

A boilermaker is a drink consisting of a beer mixed with a shot of whiskey. While the combination of beer and bourbon is less common than beer and whiskey, it can still be a great pairing. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating your own beer and bourbon boilermakers.

Choosing the Right Beer

When selecting a beer to pair with bourbon, consider the different styles and flavours available. Here are some options to consider:

• Pilsner: A pilsner can be a great choice for those who want a crisp, clean beer that won't overpower the bourbon. It offers a refreshing contrast to the robust flavour of the whiskey.
• India Pale Ale (IPA): IPAs, especially those with strong hoppy flavours, can stand up to the boldness of bourbon. The bitterness of the hops can complement the sweetness of the whiskey.
• Stout: A stout beer, such as a Scotch ale or imperial stout, can be a perfect match for bourbon, especially if you prefer darker, richer flavours. The high alcohol content of stouts can also complement the strength of the bourbon.
• Lager: A crisp, refreshing lager can be a good choice for a boilermaker, providing a light and easy-drinking option.

Selecting the Right Bourbon

When it comes to choosing the right bourbon for your boilermaker, consider the following:

• Flavour Profile: Bourbons are known for their sweet, smooth flavour profiles, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Look for bourbons that will complement the beer you've selected. For example, a bourbon with strong oak notes may go well with an IPA's bitterness.
• Proof: Opt for a higher-proof bourbon if you want the whiskey's flavour to stand out in the boilermaker. Lower-proof bourbons may be better suited for subtle pairings.
• Age: Older bourbons tend to have more complex flavour profiles due to extended ageing in oak barrels. A well-aged bourbon can add depth and sophistication to your boilermaker.

Suggested Pairings

• Sierra Nevada Christmas and Stagg Jr: This pairing combines a strong, flavourful beer with a robust bourbon.
• Pilsner with Old Forester 1920: The crisp, clean taste of a pilsner can be an excellent complement to the Old Forester 1920 bourbon.
• Hoppy IPA with Rittenhouse 100 or High West Double Rye: The vegetal notes of these bourbons can be enhanced when paired with a hoppy IPA.
• Guinness and Jameson: A classic combination of Irish stout and whiskey.
• Four Roses Single Barrel and Corona: This pairing brings together a well-known bourbon and a popular beer for a straightforward boilermaker.

Remember, the key to a successful boilermaker is finding the right balance between the flavours of the beer and bourbon. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings!

Beer and bourbon cocktails

The Boilermaker

The Boilermaker is a classic cocktail that pairs beer and whiskey. The name is linked to the locomotive workers of the 1800s, who were known as boilermakers and would order a beer and a shot of whiskey after their shift. The drink can be served with a variety of beers and is enjoyed by sipping one after the other, preferably whiskey first.

The Beer and Honey Cocktail

This cocktail is a bright and fresh combination of bourbon, honey, lemon juice, bitters, and beer. It is a simple drink that can be made with easily accessible ingredients and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

The Withering Sunrise

Featured at The IVY Kitchen in Dallas, Texas, this cocktail uses locally distilled bourbon and locally brewed IPA. It also includes mango, agave, bitters, and lemon. The bourbon, mango puree, agave nectar, and lemon juice are combined and shaken with ice, then strained over ice and topped with IPA and bitters.

The Dog Days of Summer (Ale)

This cocktail is perfect for summertime drinking and combines bourbon with cherry hearing, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and a summer ale. All the ingredients are poured over ice and served.

The Summer Shandy

The Summer Shandy is a cocktail created by bar manager Aaron Ranf at Santa Monica's Rustic Canyon wine bar and restaurant. It includes Saison-style beer, fresh lemon, apricot shrub, bourbon, and vermouth. The beer is added to a pint glass filled with ice, and the remaining ingredients are shaken and strained into the beer glass.

The Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Cocktail

This unique cocktail brings together beer, bourbon, and barbecue sauce, creating a surprising combination that works well for a summer barbecue.

Beer and bourbon shots

IPAs

For those who enjoy the strong flavours of IPAs, a hoppy variety can be an excellent choice to pair with bourbon. The vegetal notes of a hoppy IPA can complement the bourbon's sweetness, creating a unique and refreshing experience.

Pilsners

If you're looking for a crisp and clean beer to accompany your bourbon, a pilsner is a great option. The light, crisp flavour of a pilsner can help to accentuate the more subtle nuances of the bourbon, making it a perfect choice for those who want to savour the complex flavours of their drink.

Stouts

For a heartier option, consider pairing your bourbon with a stout. The robust flavours of an imperial stout or a scotch ale can stand up to the boldness of the bourbon, creating a rich and indulgent drinking experience.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers, such as Hefeweizen, offer a refreshing change of pace with their light and crisp flavour profiles. The slightly sweet and fruity notes of a Hefeweizen can provide a delightful contrast to the deeper, more complex flavours of the bourbon.

Ginger Beers

If you're looking for a sweeter option, ginger beer is a perfect choice to pair with bourbon. The spicy and crisp flavour of ginger beer can complement the vanilla and caramel notes found in bourbon, resulting in a delightful sensory experience.

When creating beer and bourbon shots, it's important to remember that the order in which you consume the two can alter the overall experience. Some prefer to start with the beer, savouring its crisp refreshment before moving on to the bourbon. Others may opt to begin with the bourbon, allowing the complex flavours to shine through before being complemented by the beer. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and experimentation is encouraged to find your preferred pairing.

Beer and bourbon with food

Pairing beer and bourbon with food is an enjoyable endeavour, and while there are some guidelines, there are no hard and fast rules. The main priority should be enjoyment, and personal tastes will vary.

Complement or Contrast

One principle to consider is whether to complement or contrast the flavours in the beer or bourbon with the food. Complementing the flavours will create a feeling of a perfect match, where the flavours melt into each other. For example, a bourbon with sweet aromatics such as chocolate, marzipan, or honey, and fruit like cherry and blackberry, would be complemented by a chocolate bar, a bowl of berries, or a more complex dish like chocolate mousse or a fruit tart.

On the other hand, contrasting flavours will create a feeling of discovery and excitement. To contrast the bourbon's sweetness, pair it with foods that are salty, savoury, or spicy. For example, aged cheese or Nashville-style fried chicken. The goal with contrasting pairings is to create balance, rather than accentuating a specific flavour.

Proof Makes Perfect

A bourbon's proof will also impact the ideal pairing. Lower-proof bourbons (40-46% ABV) pair well with delicate foods like seafood, vegetables, lightly cooked foods, cheese, and desserts. For example, a softer, younger bourbon might pair well with salty ricotta and lemon zest dumplings.

Higher-proof bourbons (47-55% ABV) require bolder foods to stand up to the higher proof, such as charred, grilled, smoked, and fried foods. Rich dishes can stand up to these bourbons as the fat coats the tongue and the bourbon cleanses the palate.

The Finishing Touch

The unique flavours imparted by finishing barrels should also be considered when devising food pairings. For example, a bourbon finished in a heavily toasted, lightly charred barrel to impart extra sweetness might take you to cooked apple, marzipan, cardamom, toffee, and caramel. In this case, a good pairing would be an apple charlotte, made with toasted cinnamon sugar brioche, copious amounts of bourbon, and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, all drizzled in caramel.

Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue

While there are many ways to pair beer and bourbon with food, one cocktail combines them all in a unique way. The Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue cocktail brings together beer, bourbon, and barbecue sauce, and while it's not your average cocktail, it works surprisingly well.

Frequently asked questions