Buffalo Trace is heading on a bus tour around four breweries in Sydney’s inner-west in search of the perfect Boilermaker, with the natural sweet toffee flavour profile of the Bourbon a natural partner to complement finely crafted beers.
Starting at White Bay Beer Co, before heading to Wayward Brewing Co, Stockade and Mixtape Brewing & Bar, the tour will include stories about Buffalo Trace and an exclusive tasting of Boilermakers brewed specifically for Buffalo Trace. Geraint ‘Gee’ David, National Training Manager at SouthTrade International, explained how drinkers should enjoy their Boilermaker pairings.
“A sip of whiskey first, and then have another guzzle of beer is the way to go. Enjoy the beer, enjoy the whisky and that beautiful pairing of the both,” David said.
In addition guests will understand how foods work with the Bourbon, being served a range of cured meats and cheese platters as well as a Bourbon BBQ dinner.
Some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought after and priceless whiskies, such as Pappy Van Winkle, Weller and Eagle Rare, may also be making a very special appearance on the tour.
White Bay Beer Co has developed the ‘Balmain Velvet Schwarzbier’ dark beer to complement the Bourbon with its spiced toffee profile, and a bitterness on the back palate, the perfect way to prepare for that next shot of bourbon.
White Bay Brewer, Dennis de Boer, was on hand to introduce the beer.
“We brewed it with about 90 per cent German malts, but added a touch of locally sourced malt. I think it contributes a nice little roasted element that pairs perfectly with the spicy vanilla character you get from Buffalo Trace,” Dennis said.
Wayward has created the ‘Imperial Stout’, nicknamed “Chasing Buffalos”, as a special brew for Buffalo Trace and the beer is layered with caramel and chocolate infused malts with rye. The beer has notes of molasses, vanilla and dark cacao and a residual sweetness that complements Buffalo Trace’s rich flavours.
Jake Blaschka, Wayward Brewer, outlined what he looks for when pairing beer to whiskey.
“I think when it comes to drinking spirit and a beer together, you’re enhancing both sides of the drinks. So there’s a fair whack of residual sweetness in the beer from the brew, so it’s quite sweet, and I think that definitely enhances some character in the actual whiskey itself,” Jake says.
“We’ve brewed an Imperial Stout, we’ve loaded up the chocolate and roasted malts we use in the mash to complement what you have in the whiskey as well.”
Third up is Stockade with its ‘Pepperberry Porter’ a beer that is light enough to pair with a Bourbon, without overindulging. The brewer says the beer’s botanicals match perfectly with the smoky flavours of the Bourbon, creating an incredible blend on the palate. The beer has been flavoured with Tasmanian Pepperberry, which provides depth and spice at a lower ABV.
Stockade Brewery Manager, Peter Groom, explains that his brewery decided to make a beer that was a little lighter and more sessionable.
“We came up with a porter and then going backwards and forwards and looking at different boilermakers we thought it was a really good idea to pair something that has a bit of longevity so that we might able to have more the one.
“We wanted to offer something that was of a lower ABV but still carried a punchy flavour,” Groom added.
At Stockade guests were also invited to enjoy a very powerful combination of Thomas H. Handy rye (weighing in at 64.75 per cent) and a 13.5 per cent aged stout ‘Ancient Money’.
The final stop and final pairing serves up Mixtape Brewing & Bar’s ‘Buffalo Bourbon Amber Ale’, which contains amber malt to complement the Bourbon and American hops, which contrast.
A lighter and drinkable offering, this beer was the perfect way to round of an evening of powerful porters and strong stouts.
The Boilermakers are available at Wayward, Stockade and Mixtape throughout October giving bar operators and bartenders the perfect opportunity to learn more about the beers and the Bourbon and how to create the perfect Boilermaker.
