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You must be legal drinking age

Walk into any dive bar in America and you’ll find plenty of character in the wobbly bar stools, well-worn pool table, and charismatic patrons. Just be careful not to hit your head on the low ceilings. As you belly up to the bar, you’ll notice patrons have found a certain drink pairs perfectly with the laid-back environment. Most call it a boilermaker. Others call it a beer-and-a-shot. Some even call it a kopstoop or a head-butt, depending on where you’re drinking. But everyone agrees—it’s a go-to drink at any dive.

Where did this dive bar staple originate? And what are some of the best shot and beer pairings? Let’s dive right into it.

Whose idea was this, anyway?

Drinking a beer with a shot of liquor has roots in the Netherlands and Germany for generations. But the first official reports of it in America date back to the 1890s in Butte, Montana. After long days working the mines, workers would retreat to the local saloon for a refreshment. Soon enough, the boilermaker combination of whiskey and beer became the drink of choice. The Irish barkeeps affectionately referred to it as a Sean O’Farrell. The origin of that name is up for debate.

Wait, does the shot go in the beer?

If you’re a boilermaker newbie, don’t fret. The only wrong way to enjoy it is by not ordering it at all. Some boilermaker advocates claim it’s best enjoyed by dropping the shot directly into a glass of beer, similar to other drinks like a u-boot or a Dublin Drop. But the most common way to drink a boilermaker is by downing the shot in one gulp, then sipping on the beer as a chaser. Either way, it’s a no-frills drink with no judgments—just like the dive bar itself.

So, what are the best shot and beer combos?

Everyone has their preferences, but these are some of the pairings that we’d recommend trying at your local dive:

  • Sazerac Rye and an American lager
  • Southern Comfort and an amber ale
  • Buffalo Trace and a pilsner
  • Henry Ramos Gin and an IPA



Events


Sazerac Company Archivist Nick Laracuente
Tastings

Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm

Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.

Sazerac Company Archivist Nick Laracuente
Tastings

Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages

Thursday, December 7, 2023
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm

Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.

Sip & Shop At Sazerac House
Signature Events

Sip & Shop

Thursday, December 14, 2023
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Holiday Sip & Shop Thursday, December 14th, 2023 5:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a Holiday Sip & Shop to prepare for the gift-giving season in style! This event promises to bring the spirit to light with beautifully packaged spirited gift sets, cocktail accoutrements, clothing, barware and even fun gifts for our four-legged friends! DJ87 will keep the season bright with holiday favorites spinning all night. Enjoy a complimentary spiked Apple Cider while you shop. If that didn’t get you feeling merry and bright, Santa will be on site from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for a holiday photo keepsake from LazyEye Photography! Opt-in to a mini cocktail class offered every half hour where you can experience a classic holiday cocktail and leave with the recipe to recreate at your own celebration! Just $12.25! (See what we did there??) When you register to join us for this complimentary event, you will have the opportunity to pre-purchase homerun gifts!