Photo: Brix Tavern Facebook
Brix Tavern is usually pretty cozy, but on June 16, it's filled to the brim with merry making barbecue enthusiasts. It’s the night of the much anticipated Beer-BBQ-Bourbon buffet, and nearly all in sight have huge smiles plastered on their faces.
Between the intoxicating smell wafting through the room and the bottles of decadent bourbon strewn throughout, it was hard not to smile. After all, the great big table laid out was filled with oodles of delicious Southern fare: thick, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, tender brisket, ancho chili-rubbed ribs, melty spoon bread and spicy collard greens. I giddily made myself a plate while slyly eyeing the Ninkasi Brewing table and decided the best way to start the evening was to sample a few bourbon and beer pairings.
Photo: Brix Tavern Facebook
With five different options to choose from—ranging from the more temperate Lexington to the downright potent (138.8 proof!) Elijah Craig Barrel Proof variety—the bourbon did not disappoint. The scorched oak and sweet caramel notes perfectly complemented the sweet, savory collard greens and smoked brisket. Meanwhile, a trip to the Ninkasi Brewing station revealed a selection of five different beers, each more tempting than the last.
Feeling another trip to the buffet coming on, I quickly filled up another platter, shamelessly loading as much cheesy spoon bread as I could onto the plate. I washed it all down with some of my favorite beer selections of the night, alternating between the rich “Oatis” oatmeal stout and the lighter “Helles Belles” lager. Small tables merged into larger tables as the drinks flowed, opening up to laughter and easy conversation. Meanwhile, sports fans turned their eyes upward to the game, huddling together and debating the finer points of the match broadcasting on the big screen.
Bourbon Bread Pudding. Photo: Janelle Albukhari
As we all eagerly lined up for the final serving of bourbon bread pudding, I couldn’t help but marvel at the happiness that came after a good, old-fashioned family style dinner.
It was a night for friends, warm conversation and above all, good food that I won’t forget anytime soon.
