Written by Stef Collins, editor bars&clubs
Boilermaker House in Melbourne has collaborated with local craft brewery Moon Dog to create a beer to match Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey.
The Boilermaker House Pickleback Lager was created by the crew at the whisky and beer-focused bar to specifically match the flavour profile of Jameson Caskmates.
Tasked with creating a new beer idea, the team decided to twist up the bartender favourite: the Pickleback – for those not in the know, it’s a nip of whisky followed by a shot of pickle juice. Working closely with Moon Dog’s head brewer, Jimmy Dittko, the aim was to integrate distinctive pickle juice flavours and blend them into the lager. Luckily Moon Dog is well known for its creative approach to brewing.
The beer is designed to replicate pickle brine, and as such takes the form of a light-bodied and light-coloured, salted lager – using primarily Gladfield Light Lager Malt, Pickleback Lager has an IBU of 20 and features Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand.
To get the “pickle brine” flavour the team added classic pickle flavours of cucumber, garlic, dill and vinegar.
The resulting brew is extremely fresh and pairs well with the flavours found in Jameson Caskmates for an excellent boilermaker.
The Moon Dog Pickleback Lager will begin with a limited release of 15 kegs and is available now exclusively at Boilermaker House.
Watch this space, as the Boilermaker House team have more exciting collaborations on the horizon in their quest to take beer and whisky matching to the next level.