About Town: Austin | Tullamore D.E.W. & A Brew Tour

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a private tasting of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey at the new Friends & Allies Brewery in East Austin.

Jane, the charming and knowledgeable brand ambassador of Tullamore D.E.W. has embarked on a 68 day tour, the Tullamore D.E.W. and a Brew Tour, stopping at local breweries in 26 cities across America in search of the perfect craft beer to pair with their triple-distilled Irish single malt and blended whiskeys

AN IRISH TRADITION
Drinking a Tullamore D.E.W. with a beer unlocks the complimentary flavours in both, and the classic ritual of enjoying both beverages side-by-side goes back generations. It’s an old Irish tradition that we hope to celebrate and share with the world. The perfect pairing of D.E.W. and a brew may go way back, but the tradition is timeless.

The event was held at the newly opened Friends & Allies Brewing Brewery and Beer Garden on Springdale, in East Austin. Very hip digs. Easy to find, ample parking, bright and modern space. I'm looking forward to spending more time there. Great beer, too!

Jane treated us to an informative brewery tour and we had the opportunity to sample pours of Friends & Allies' Noisy Cricket, Session IPA, Urban Chicken, Saison, and Springdale, White Ale (and my favorite). I look forward to returning to try their Fresh Coast IPA, available soon. Follow the links to find more information on each style, including ABV%, and hops and malt profiles.

After the tour, we got down to the business of tasting. Traditionally called a Boilermaker in America (learn more about that, here), we tasted three pairings-- F&A White Ale with Tullamore D.E.W. Original, Urban Chicken with 12 Year Old Special Reserve, and Noisy Cricket with 15 Year Old Trilogy. 

My favorite beer, alone, was the Springdale White Ale, my favorite whisky was the 15 Year Old Trilogy, and my favorite pairing, the Urban Chicken with the 12 Year Old Special Reserve. I found the pairing really showcased the fruit and spice flavors of the F&A Saison. 

We came, we saw, we tasted, we Insta'd and tweeted, and checked in and all of those things we bloggers and writers and eaters and drinkers do. I learned a lot about the Boilermaker, Irish Whisky, and tasty brews, and enjoyed making new friends and enjoying established friends, too. 

The Tullamore D.E.W. and A Brew Tour is headed, next. to New Orleans! What a fine time to find yourself in the Big Easy. Look for them in cities North and East, and be sure to give them a warm welcome. 

Thank you for a real good time, Tullamore D.E.W., and safe travels! 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this tasting free of charge. All liquor was served gratis. All opinions (and photos) are my own.