Raising a beer to whisky week

THE famed Bignell father-son distiller and brewer combination are preparing to deliver a cross-generational experiment in beer and whisky matching as Tasmanian Whisky Week gets underway today.

Peter Bignell will match his award-winning Belgrove Distillery rye whisky, spirits and other concoctions to his son Tom’s T-Bone beers at the North Hobart brewery from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday.

The experiment forms one of the 27 events throughout the state for whisky week which runs until August 13.

The Tasmanian Whisky Producers Association is hosting the nine-day event.

The Bignell pair also brewed a big stout a few weeks ago and aged it in a couple of Belgrove former rye whisky barrels.

“I am excited to see what comes of this. It’s always a gamble — you never know what it’s like until you crack the lid,” Tom Bignell said.

“The whole event is a learning experience for us and the consumer. We are really interested to hear what people think of the matchings. It’s a great opportunity to chat and exchange ideas. It will be a great night, but I suggest those who are interested book.”

Peter Bignell said people thought of matching food and wine, but beer and whisky could be amazing.

“I am doing something different with rye whisky, which is a fast-growing category in the USA, and also whisky with oats,” he said.

During the week there will be distillery open days, tasting master classes, whisky and brewery boilermaker evenings, hands-on whisky-making experiences, dinners and helicopter tours.