New bar Boilermaker House is challenging the way Melbournians take their whisky. The latest venture from Eau de Vie‘s Sven Almenning and Greg Sanderson, it takes its name from the classic British beer and whisky chaser tradition, merging Almenning and Sanderson’s drinks of choice.
Unlike its Eau de Vie predecessors, Boilermaker House has shifted the focus from cocktails to whisky with a 700-strong malt collection and extensive craft beer range.
“Eau de Vie is a cocktail bar first and whisky bar second,” says Almenning. “So with Boilermaker House, the idea was to turn it on its head and create a whisky bar first and foremost.” Beer enters the equation as a refreshing way to wash down the malt spirit.
The drinks are categorised by flavour camps to help you navigate across the signatures shortlist, although pointing may be the method of choice when it comes to the formidable selection in the back bar. And while the cocktail spread may not rival that of the great Eau de Vie, in-house favourites such as the citrusy Frieda Fizz with tequila and wheat beer are served with aplomb on a list that’s tight and mighty.
Hungry? There are deli offerings spanning cheese and charcuterie, or pull up a chair in the dining area, which plates up the simple likes of pâté and steak in bluesy surrounds.
Boilermaker House, 209-211 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Vic, 04 2427 0082, open Mon-Wed 4pm-3am, Thurs-Sun noon-3am
