Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Recipe
Four Roses bourbon, simple syrup, black cherry syrup and bitters are combined in an oak barrel. Served over a large ice cube with a black cherry and orange peel.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base (barrel aging)
To Serve
Equipment & Barrel Notes
Method
Cocktail Base (barrel aging)
Prepare barrel
If the oak barrel is new or dry, hydrate and toast it per manufacturer instructions: fill with warm water and let sit 24 hours, then drain and wipe. If using a previously used barrel, rinse with warm water.
Combine ingredients
Using a funnel, pour 750 ml Four Roses bourbon into the prepared oak barrel. Add 60 ml simple syrup (1:1), 30 ml black cherry syrup, 10 dashes Angostura bitters and 4 dashes orange bitters (optional).
Seal and age
Seal the barrel and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. For a small 1–2 L barrel expect noticeable oak influence in 1–2 weeks; taste every 48 hours after day 5. For a 375 ml barrel check at 24–48 hours and daily thereafter. Total aging typically 3–14 days depending on desired oak intensity and cherry character.
Monitor and stop aging
Sample by drawing a small amount with a sanitized syringe or spigot. When the balance of bourbon, oak tannin, sweetness and cherry flavor suits you, drain the barrel into a clean container through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any char fragments.
To Serve
Prepare glass
Place one large clear ice cube in a rocks glass. If you don't have a single large cube mold, use a dense 2-cup block and shape as needed.
Build the drink
Measure and pour 60 ml of the barrel-aged cocktail blend over the large ice cube. (This yields a classic Old Fashioned strength; adjust pour to taste.)
Garnish
Skewer one black cherry and rest it on the ice or place it in the glass. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel with the outer (zested) side down about 2 inches above the glass and giving it a quick sharp twist to release oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass or rest on the rim.
Final touch
Optionally add 1 extra dash of Angostura bitters on top or a quick spray of orange bitters. Serve immediately.
Cleanup & Storage
Store any unused barrel-aged cocktail in a sealed bottle in a cool dark place for up to 3 months. Rinse and dry barrel per manufacturer guidelines if you plan to reuse for a different spirit or flavor.