Mission Briefing
Some cocktails just *get the job done*. The Old Fashioned is one of them. No fluff, no flash — just a straight-shooting glass of whiskey, sugar, and bitters that’s been around longer than most enlisted ranks. But when my wife wants a version that holds the line with bold spice and a cleaner finish, she reaches for **Bulleit 95 Rye**. With its 95% rye mash bill and no-nonsense attitude, it gives the Old Fashioned a sharp, snappy twist that she calls “classy with a combat edge.”
Recon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bulleit 95 Rye
- 1 Sugar Cube (or ½ tsp Simple Syrup)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange Peel (for garnish)
- Ice (big block if available)
Battle Plan:
- In a heavy-bottom glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters with a splash of warm water (or skip the cube and pour in simple syrup like a modern warrior).
- Add your 2 oz of Bulleit Rye — no substitutions if you’re following orders.
- Drop in one large ice cube or a few smaller ones.
- Stir with purpose — 20–30 seconds should do it.
- Express the orange peel over the glass to release those oils, then drop it in like it earned its stripes.
Field Notes
This one’s all mission and minimal maintenance. On the nose, you’ll pick up citrus zest, dry spice, and subtle caramel. On the palate, rye spice leads the charge, backed by light brown sugar and hints of orange and cinnamon. The Bulleit 95 Rye keeps it from veering sweet — think balanced aggression.
Service Tips
- If you’re feeling fancy, use demerara syrup for a richer base.
- Toss in a cherry if you must, but she says that’s a peacetime luxury.
- Best served in a heavy glass with a solid cube — just like whiskey should be.
- Swap in orange bitters for a twist on the standard if you want to experiment behind enemy lines.
Debrief
This version of the Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink — it’s a declaration. It says you appreciate tradition but you’re not afraid to sharpen the edges. For my wife, it’s the perfect sip at the end of a long day, whether we’re debriefing on the porch or planning our next whiskey recon. And if you’re not careful, this one might just win your heart *and* your liver.
