Skip to main content

We're sorry Ballantines.com won't work in this browser

Try the Edge browser

Mixing Beer and Whisky: 5 reasons they’re the perfect match

ballantines berry beer drink

We’re here to dispel any myths about combining whisky with beer, and explain why these two favourites are actually a perfect match. 

As two of the most popular alcoholic drinks out there, you may have never seen them being enjoyed together before, perhaps you’ve even heard that it’s a bad idea to mix beer with a spirit such as whisky. As long as it’s done in moderation and responsibly though, this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

And we don’t just have one reason, we have five. Here they are…

Whisky and beer are made from the same ingredients

 

Let’s kick off with a rather substantial reason as to why whisky and beer are a match made in heaven: they’re made from pretty much the same ingredients. 

These ingredients are water, grains and yeast. We’ll forgive you for being a little mind blown.

While beer also contains hops, there’s no denying that there’s a big overlap in the ingredients of these two beverages. And therefore, there are also certain similarities in flavour profiles between whisky and beer. 

Now don’t get us wrong, we’re definitely not saying that if you closed your eyes the two would be indistinguishable from each other. Whisky has distillation and lengthy maturation to thank for a higher ABV and far more complex and smooth taste, whereas beer is more thirst quenching, often carbonated and much milder. But the similarities in their ingredients give both drinks a slightly reminiscent flavour, and this can be played upon in whisky cocktails and drinks.

Complementary flavour pairings

 

This brings us onto our next reason why beer and whisky is an ideal pairing. 

Both whisky and beer have a strong malty undertone, you know that slightly sweet and nutty flavour? This trace from the raw materials shines in both, and even more so when drank together.

Have you ever heard of “a hauf an a hauf”? In Scotland, where single malt whisky originated and where we call home here at Ballantine’s, it’s not unusual to order a whisky with a half pint of beer at the pub or bar.

The drinker will usually have a sip of each in turn, making this an ideal way to try pairing different whiskies and beers together to see what works.

Remember, everyone has a different palate, and what your friend thinks makes a great pairing may not be your cup of tea… or dram of Scotch. The fun part is that there are endless whisky and beer combinations to try. 

We live in a day and age where there are tons of different beers on the market, from traditional ales, refreshing European lagers and quirky American IPAs, and the same can be said for whisky. There’s more choice out there than ever before, including whisky spirit drinks. 

Check out our whisky collection and see what takes your fancy.

Delicious flavour contrasts

 

In addition to finding complementary flavour profiles, it’s also fun to find flavour contrasts between beer and whisky.

Cutting through a flavour or aroma with something totally different can elevate a drink further and make something truly special. That’s why lots of our whisky cocktails have a blend of both sweet and sour flavours. This can also be seen in classic cocktails, such as the iconic Whisky Sour.

Our Berry Beer cocktail is a great entry point for experimenting with contrasting whisky and beer flavours. 

This fruity cocktail will see you drink lager like you’ve never drank it before. Our signature whisky, Ballantine’s Finest, is paired with a light beer or lager of your choice, plus blueberries, lemon, honey and ice to create a unique whisky and beer flavour sensation.

Try it out with different lagers and discover which flavour pairings work with or oppose each other best.

Whisky Sour

This cocktail is 150 years old, yet you’ll still find it in the trendiest bars. Give it a go with your favourite Ballantine’s!

TRY IT

Berry Beer

Ballantine’s, Beer & Blueberries? There’s no wrong way.

TRY IT

Make a refreshing long drink

 

Following on nicely from our previous point, beer can transform a dram into a refreshing long drink. 

While we love whisky on the rocks or on its own as much as the next whisky obsessive, we appreciate that some days and occasions call for a longer drink that’s going to satiate a healthy thirst.

Whether you try a whisky and beer combination like the classic Boilmarker (which is literally just a shot of whisky in a beer of your choice), a fruity whisky and beer cocktail such as our Berry Beer, or take the Scottish approach with a hauf an a hauf, pairing whisky with beer can lengthen your whisky drinking experience and provide you with some unique new flavour fusions.

Just keep in mind that lots of these whisky and beer combos are pretty strong, so be sure to keep an eye on the units you’re consuming! Responsible drinking is essential to every single Ballantine’s whisky cocktail.

A chance to be creative

 

Finally on our list of five reasons why beer and whisky is the perfect combination, is that it’s a creative way to use both beverages.

Creativity is a big part of mixology, as is being open minded. Like we said, everyone has a unique palate and their own preferences. That’s why there’s no right or wrong way to drink whisky, and why we encourage people to taste whisky with zero expectations. You never know what aromas and notes you’re going to find, and there’s no “correct” answer.

A creative outlet in life can be seriously beneficial to your wellbeing, whether it’s painting, gardening or whisky flavour combination pairing.

If you’re feeling in a rut with your alcoholic beverage preferences, or have some beers to use up, why not try out some of these whisky and beer mixes and inject something brand new into your repertoire?

That brings us to the end of our five reasons why whisky and beer is a perfect combination. All that’s needed is an open mind and you’ll open the barrel to endless deliciously unique beer and whisky unions. 

Some may be better than others, some may contrast, some may complement…but that’s all part of the fun. Discover more about how to drink whisky, or why add beer to a whisky themed party for a seriously creative get together?

Ballantine’s Cocktails: Drinks for your Zodiac Sign

Mixology meets astrology with our recommendations of serves based on your sign. Which whisky cocktail represents your zodiac sign? See if we guessed right.

Read More

How to turn your cocktails in whisky jello shots

Turn your favourite whisky cocktails into fun and moreish whisky jello shots for your next party. It’s surprisingly easy, yet is sure to impress guests!

Read More

Blog

You already know we’ve nailed the Finest Whisky to ever grace a glass. But that’s just a little drop of what we’re about. Scroll on for the latest news and features from across the world of Ballantine’s whisky, True Music and much, much more.

DISCOVER MORE