The first time I heard about cocktails made with beer and whisky I thought it was a joke. Now I like beer and I love whisky, but to my mind they were not two great tastes that taste great together. But recently, I sat down for an evening of ale and whisky education courtesy of Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch with Auchentoshan whisky ambassador Robin Nance and Pat Fahey, a Master Cicerone (that’s the highest level of beer expert) at As Is, a craft beer bar in NYC. It was a revelation.
Ale and whisky work like A Tribe Called Quest. Wait, hear me out.
Think of beer and whisky like a Tribe Called Quest. Beer is robust, full of character and bold in flavor. It has a rough and ready everyman reputation that belies its essential goodness. Folks be sleeping on beer, not giving it its due but when they get a pint, they realize it is essential. They love it. Beer is like Phife Dawg. Achentoshan American Oak whisky is silky smooth, with hints of sweetness and pronounced spice notes. The whisky is Q-Tip.
On paper, the two don’t seem to make much sense. But as it turns out, they mix together beautifully. Beer lending its heft to the whisky, the whisky, in turn, smoothing out the beer’s harder edges. Both are great on their own but the result is greater than the sum of its parts.
So, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Phife Dawg and the fact that Tribe have just achieved their second #1 Album, let’s toast them with one of these complex, and delicious drinks.
IT’S BITTER TO BE HOPPY
1.5 parts Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.5 parts Aperol
.25 parts fresh grapefruit juice
.25 parts lemon juice
6 dashes Lemon Bitters
2.5 parts American IPA
Stir all ingredients and strain into a coupe. Garnish with lemon wheel.
LEMON TELL YOU SOMETHIN’ HONEY
1.5 parts Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.5 parts Honey Syrup (1:1)*
1 part Fresh Lemon Juice
3 parts Belgian witbier
Build in a tall glass or beer stein filled with ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon peel.
*(Honey Syrup: 1 part honey to 1 part water, boil and cool before using).
BEER & LOATHING
1.5 parts Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.5 parts chili liqueur
4 parts American Porter
Slowly shake all ingredients with ice and strain into rocks glass. May add large cube.
