Honor the Legacy and Heritage of Pappy Van Winkle:
The Iconic, Classic, and Traditional Cocktail: The Old Fashioned
You can call us Old Fashioned, we don't mind...
Just as its name suggests, an Old Fashioned is a traditional cocktailthat relies on a simple combination of ingredients to deliver iconic flavor without the need for flavoring agents or a flurry of unfamiliar (and thus unnecessary) add-ins.
After a rise in popularity for the practice of adding fruits and more exotic mix-ins to cocktails, a habit that likely began to mask poorly distilled spirits from the prohibition era, there was a desire, mostly by those who knew that the purest flavor of bourbon barely needs more than ice to be enjoyed, for a return to the more traditional versions of old-school, unadorned cocktails.
At the historical venue, the Pendennis Club, opened as a traditional men’s club in 1881, located just a few blocks away from the current location of Pappy & Company in downtown Louisville, this change in trends was naturally referred to, as ordering an Old Fashioned Cocktail.
In fact, it was a term before it was a cocktail; to order an Old Fashioned meant you wanted a pure cocktail with simple ingredients. Imbibers who didn’t want a fussy cocktail with add-ins and embellished recipes and flavors, preferring a more old-fashioned type of cocktail, say for instance, one with bourbon, bitters, and a little bit of sugar.
While it has naturally evolved over time, it is truly the standard bearer of not just whiskey-based cocktails, but honestly, cocktails in general. Having earned its status as THE bourbon cocktail, the Pendennis born favorite was actually officially inaugurated as “Louisville’s Official Cocktail” in 2015, forever cementing its place in the annals of bourbon, cocktail, and Kentucky lore.
While the name indeed denotes a traditional cocktail, the flavor is anything but stuffy. The original, or rather old fashioned Old Fashioned, called for bourbon, sugar, Angostura Bitters, water, and an orange peel. Classic, traditional, and iconic, being old-fashioned is timeless, not outdated. It is classic, traditional, and will never go out of style.
Sugar was slowly dissolved in a small amount of water, a dash of Angostura bitters was added, alongside a jigger of bourbon whiskey, and followed by a twist of orange peel or a bright red cherry, to deliver a spicy, sweet, bitter, and bourbon-forward cocktail for a purist, with a twist.
While an Old Fashionedis certainly season less, it brings a spicy warmth that bridges the fall-forward transition into the cold-weather seasons. There is just something, well, old-fashioned, about sipping by a firesidewhile the winter weather is kept at bay, and slowly melting into the flavors of a timeless ritual.
Embrace the ritual of an Old Fashioned with the tradition of Pappy Van Winkle’s legendary hospitality and flavor.
Learn how to set up a Pappy inspired Old Fashioned Bar, mix your own classic Old Fashioned and stock up on the essentials to make your own version of a this iconic cocktail.
While not complicated per se, this flavor combination does require the right touch and careful blend of ingredients to deliver notes of warm clove and cinnamon-like spice, bitter, with an underlying layer of soft muddled sweetness, and a hint of citrus.
While some bartenders and at-home masters of mixology may claim to make the best Old Fashioned, we’ve taken a cocktail that is somehow layered and balanced, with depth and character, yet only a few very straightforward ingredients, and made it even easier.
Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Mixer: Not something we undertook lightly, and it may seem like an untouchable option for a mixer; however, that is exactly why we wanted to make one. With the right partners, that is. Only with our cocktail partners, Bittermilk, would we even attempt a cocktail mixer for such an iconic cocktail offering. Fortunately, and we don’t say this lightly, we achieved the perfect mix with an added layer of flavor. Our mixer, handcrafted with the ideal balance of ingredients: bittering agents, gentian root, and cinchona bark, burnt sugar for a hint of smoky sweetness, and, of course, signature spices along with orange peel for that subtle suggestion of citrus.
What takes it to the next level would be the same thing that is responsible for the signature flavorof Pappy Van Winkle bourbon itself: time in a revered, retired, and genuine Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel. Slowly resting in the recently emptied barrel, gently settling against the remnants of bourbon soaked into the charred oak, the mixer develops in character, flavor, and depth, for a truly Pappy-fied Old Fashionedthat is unlike anything else you can get. Even at the hands of the Old Fashioned experts at the Pendennis or the home of the Pendennis developed and served recipe, the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Instead, it is in your own glass from your own bar, served with signature Pappy Van Winkle-inspired flavor and style.
An Old Fashioned hits the road. Never knew you were missing out on the ultimate travelcompanion? Our single serve Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Mixer means you never have to be without this infinitely classic cocktail, no matter where life takes you (but especially if it takes you to a tailgate).
An Old Fashioned Ritual with a Modern Bar: Setting up the ultimate Old Fashioned Bar
For yourself, or your guests, a well-made Old Fashioned is both a gesture of welcome and a nod to the type of southern hospitality that Pappy was legendary for.
How to Set up an Old Fashioned Bar. The Essentials
Elevate your Old Fashioned essentialswith a Pappy-worthy presentation. Start with the tray. Our Pappy Tray from our Pappy & Company X Everyday Heirlooms Collection. Collect the bar tools, glassware, and ingredients in one place for an Old Fashioned Barthat can be set up anywhere and sets the tone for a sophisticated sipping experience.
The glassware.
Naturally, a drink this classic has its own glass, and of course, given the truly stand-out nature of the Old Fashioned, we have more than one option for you to choose from.
The Double Old Fashioned. Double dose of classic.
Leather Wrapped Old Fashioned Glasses. Sophisticated and sleek.
The Spinning Glass. Gently aerates for full flavor, rests atop an authentic Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel stave coasters for an added touch of authentic Bourbon history.
Old Rip Van Winkle Decanter and Rocks Glasses. An iconic set that pays tribute to a legend.
The Jigger. A perfect pour with a traditional tool. Our Everyday Heirloom's Julian Jiggeris an exact replica of Julian’s original, yet crafted in modern brass.
The Stirrer. A symbolic gesture of elevated entertaining that masterfully mixes, stirs and sips.
The Cherry on top. An Italian inspired, Washington grown Orasella Maraschino Cherry bursting with ripe flavor.
The Cocktail Napkin. A timeless cocktail deserves all of the elegance of vintage-inspired design.
Smoked Old Fashioned: The subdued notes of charred flavor, naturally and belovedly present in bourbon, are ideally blended with the bitter and subtly sweet flavors of warm spices and gentle citrus in an Old Fashioned. However, to intensify those smoky notes, a Smoked Old Fashioned is on order. Our Pappy Van Winkle Smoked Cocktail Kit torches an authentic Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Stave, and traps the flavor in your glass to add a layer of signature smoky flavor to your Old Fashioned.
An Old Fashioned Companion: cigars make a perfect pairing.
A ritual with this much tradition, legacy and history, deserves a companion equally as steeped in heritage and flavor. Select a cigar from our collection of Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented or Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Cigars to complement your Old Fashioned experience.
Thoroughly modern, infinitely classic: The Old Fashioned, Refreshed
While the original intention behind an Old Fashioned is that strong desire to return to simpler times and flavors, we aren’t diametrically opposed to a little variety. We've got some Pappy Van Winkle inspired recipes to subtly highlight the flavor variations and give the Old Fashioned a modern flavorful twist.
Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Aged Espresso Old Fashioned
Pappy Van Winkle Maple Grapefruit Old Fashioned
Pappy Van Winkle Smashed Cherry and Basil Old Fashioned
