The old-fashioned is one of the oldest mixed drinks in the cocktail playbook, and I frankly always had slight envy for those who could order and sip the sophisticated classic with ease. However, over the years with Alex, a bourbon drinker, I’ve tried his cocktails to get accustomed to the palate. Now, I’ve grown to enjoy the occasional bourbon beverage, especially as temperatures cool.
To toast to my father-in-law’s birthday at the lake a few weekends back, we whipped up three versions with each of the new Old Dom “very small batch” whiskeys. I can’t wait to cozy up to this trifecta throughout the rest of the year! Scroll for tasting notes and my take on the classic recipe.
Huling Station Straight Wheat Whiskey opens with a light, sweet honey and a delicate grassy indication on the nose, according to Old Dominick’s tasting notes. It’s my preference, primarily because I’m a new bourbon drinker and appreciate a sweeter entrance. The wheat is bookended by a surprising flash of smoked oak before settling into a medium, lightly-sweet finish.
Huling Station Straight Bourbon, my father-in-law’s favorite, opens with stone fruit, dark cherries, and creamy vanilla with a wisp of rye spice on the nose. According to the notes, the palate spurs cinnamon and caramel “as dry, subtle notes of pipe tobacco and velvety dark chocolate round out the finish.”
Huling Station Blend of Straight Whiskeys, which offers a slightly higher proof, is arguably the best of both worlds. Old Dominick describes “the finish as lingering and peppery with another appearance by the smoked oak to close it out.”
OLD DOMINICK OLD-FASHIONED
2 ounces Old Dominick bourbon (your choice of which!)
.5 ounces Cane & Herb autumn spiced simple syrup or sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
1. Muddle sugar cube and bitters in bottom of a bar glass, or pour simple syrup and bitters in glass. Add bourbon. Stir.
2. Add one large ice cube and continue to stir for 30 seconds. Run orange peel around the rim and slip it on the side of the ice cube.
This post is brought to you by Old Dominick. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!