On relaxed summer evenings, many find themselves oscillating between the allure of hard liquor and the crisp refreshment of ice-cold beer. This pairing brings a unique comfort to the experience.
A Global Delight
This concept enjoys various names in different cultures. In Germany, it’s called a herrengedeck, while in Scotland, they refer to it as a “hauf and a hauf.” In Korea, the tradition involves dropping a shot of soju into lager, creating a somaek, reminiscent of a Depth Charge. Meanwhile, in the United States, the similar drink is known as a “boilermaker,” stemming from its origins as a preferred choice among locomotive engineers seeking a quick fortification after a long day.
Crafting Ideal Pairings
What leads to an effective pairing? The answer lies in the ability of each sip to evoke a desire for more. Drinks that complement each other, particularly in weight and flavor, achieve this well: think heavy against light, warming juxtaposed with fresh, and sweet mingling with salt. A classic match is bourbon with lager; the sweet, spicy notes of bourbon contrast nicely with the crisp dryness of lager. For an exemplary experience, consider a mid-weight bourbon like Michter’s Bourbon or Woodford Reserve paired with a flavorful brew such as Pilsner Urquell.
Heaven Hill emphasizes the boilermaker experience, hosting an annual contest for bartenders to create inventive pairings. For a Pilsner, Chris Smith, one of the organizers, recommends pairing it with Evan Williams or Elijah Craig.
Exploring Unique Brews
For those seeking something more unconventional, whiskey pairs well with a down-to-earth pickle beer. Donna’s Pickle Beer has garnered a cult following in the United States. In London, the Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown proudly serves a housemade pickle beer crafted with Braybrooke Pilsner, alongside sophisticated shots of cognac.
Similarly, agave spirits and beer form a natural alliance, especially when accompanied by salted orange wedges dusted with sal de gusano. For instance, pairing Quiquiriqui’s unique Tobala mezcal with a chilled Cervesa Victoria or Modelo Especial as a chaser enhances the experience significantly.
In New York, Katana Kitten features boilermakers with a Japanese twist, pairing Suntory’s smooth Toki blended whiskey with a lager, and a shot of yuzu sake with an Other Half IPA. Oddball bar, located in Alphabet City, introduces a unique pairing of Umenoyado Green Tea Umeshu with a lager brewed with lemon basil.
Superbueno bar in NYC has crafted a distinct variant of its traditional boilermaker, Dashi Papi, for each game during the World Cup. Their innovative approach includes a shot of Don Julio 1942 enhanced with Australian vegemite for the USA vs Australia match, while the Mexico vs Czechia game features tequila infused with cherry and caraway notes. The simplicity of a “beer and a bump” remains a quintessential choice for many.
The Rise of the Boilerfaker
Recently, the Boilerfaker has gained popularity. This drink pairs a full-strength spirit with non-alcoholic beer, providing all the refreshment of traditional options while maintaining clarity of mind.
America’s leading non-alcoholic brewer, Athletic Brewing, has introduced an impressive 0.5 percent ABV red ale called Clock End in homage to Premiere League champions Arsenal. Watching the World Cup, many will enjoy this alongside a sweet and smoky Lagavulin 16.
At Trick Dog in San Francisco, the unique pairing of Guinness 0.0 with cold brew coffee is sure to uplift spirits, whether one is working hard or simply relaxing in front of the screen.
