To celebrate National Beer Day on Saturday, April 7, the good folks at Bulleit Frontier Whiskey have been looking for the best boilermaker pairings. A boilermaker is simply a shot of whiskey served with a beer. Bulleit came up with their own boilermaker and then they challenged their friends at Montauk Brewing Co. in Montauk, New York, and Ninkasi Brewing Co. in Eugene, Oregon, to come up with their own perfect craft beer pairing for Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye and the brewers delivered, choosing the best beers to go with the American whiskey.
Don't feel like you have to visit a dive bar to try these boilermaker pairings. The popular combo is easy to serve anywhere and we've got all five match-ups from Bulleit and the breweries, so no matter what part of the country you're in, you'll be able to find a good beer and a shot pairing.
1. Bulleit Boilermaker
Instagram: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey
A time-honored mix of Kentucky and Ireland, the best way to experience this two-drink serve is to alternate between sipping 1.25 oz. of Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and a 12 oz. Guinness Draught, an Irish dry stout, to let the flavors work together.
2. Bulleit Bourbon + Montauk Summer Ale
Montauk Brewing Co.
A unanimous favorite by the Montauk team, Montauk Summer Ale pairs well with Bulleit Bourbon due to its 25 percent wheat malt that events out the gentle spiciness of the Kentucky bourbon.
3. Bulleit Rye + Montauk Driftwood Ale
Montauk Brewing Co.
Montauk Driftwood Ale is an English Style Pale Ale, which is very balanced with toasty and biscuity notes. These notes blended particularly well with Bulleit Rye's unparalleled spice and complexity.
4. Bulleit Bourbon + Ninkasi Total Domination IPA
Ninkasi Brewing Co.
Kentucky Bourbon meets Pacific Northwest hops in this woodsy pairing. Notes of oak and pine carry across the bourbon and the IPA, creating a flavor that is rich, resinous and balanced. The malt backbone of the bourbon paired with the lingering hop bitterness of the beer give way to a smooth finish offering notes of caramel, spice and pepper.
5. Bulleit Rye + Ninkasi Yours Truly Easy-Drinking Ale
Ninkasi Brewing Co.
These smooth American classics complement and contrast each other, making them an enjoyably playful pairing. Biscuit notes from the grains shine through with each sip — rye in the bourbon and flaked barley in the beer.
The creamy mouthfeel of the beer helps mellow out the spiciness of the rye whiskey. Each sip of the beer works to cleanse the palate, creating an experience that works well no matter what order you choose to enjoy this pairing.
