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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/725097
www.cheersonline.com 17 September 2016 • But American single malts are worth a look and definitely improving in quality—and increasing in availability. Taylor is particularly impressed with Westland Distillery's Sherry Wood. which is matured in casks that once held Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry. RYE BACK IN STYLE Rye, the pre-Prohibition spirit, made a major comeback a few years ago, when classic cocktails started to rule drinks lists. According to Hani Gabr, the beverage manager of the Village Whiskey bar in Philadelphia, the rye whiskey category is hotter than ever. "American rye is making a strong push for being the spirit of choice lately," Gabr declares. "In cocktails it adds a little extra dimension that you don't always get with bourbon." Part of the Garces Group, Village Whiskey stocks 100 American whiskeys, priced from $5 to $30. To encourage exploration, Village Whiskey offers a Pennsylvania Rye Flight ($26), with three 1-oz. pours of Social Still Rye, Dad's Hat Straight Rye and Kinsey Rye. Two cocktails on the Classic side of Village Whiskey's menu feature rye. The Scofflaw ($12) shakes up rye with dry vermouth, house grenadine and lemon, while the Brooklyn ($14), stirs it with dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Amaro Torani. The South Broad ($12), on the Contemporary section of the list, mixes rye with Strega, Lillet Rosé, raspberry syrup and lemon. And a recent cocktail of the month, Clermont Lemonade ($12), combines Jim Beam rye with lemon juice, blueberry juice, mint and honey, topped with club soda. OLD FASHIONEDS RULE The Old Fashioned—whether rye or bourbon based—continues to outpace other classic whiskey libations. At Reserve 101, for instance, Raymond says that it's far and away the most popular cocktail. The bar's Old Fashioned ($9) mixes Knob Creek bourbon or rye whiskey with orange, cherry, simple syrup and bitters. Reserve 101 sells 10 times more Old Fashioneds than any other drink on its list. The Old Fashioned gets the same love at Seven Grand. "Since we first opened in 2007, it has been the core of our program, and a cocktail that we are very proud to be known for," says Abrahamson. "Between both venues we are currently selling over 125,000 annually." Seven Grand's regular version ($11) stirs Maker's Mark bourbon with Angostura bitters and demerara sugar, served on the rocks with an orange and lemon twist. An elevated Old Fashioned menu of seven additional options ($13- $25) with choices like Forged Oak 15 Year bourbon, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon. HAPPY CAMPERS Beyond the expected drinks, operators say that cocktail promotions and limited-edition or seasonal menus can attract both whiskey aficionados and those whose palates are intrigued by something a little bit different. Southern Efficiency's "Camp Iwannawhiskey" is themed around a fictional adult whiskey camp, and includes nine whiskey cocktails, each priced at $12. The Wet Hot American Sazerac stirs Rittenhouse Rye whiskey with Pineau des Charente, Plantation dark rum, pineapple gomme syup, Peychaud's bitters and absinthe; Parents Weekend has Belle Meade Sour Mash Bourbon, Strega, Don Ciccio & Figli Concerto, lemon, cane sugar and egg white. With so many American whiskeys on the market, it's a good time to branch out from your comfort zone. Village Whiskey's Gabr advises to "pick out a reasonably priced bottle or a brand you've never heard of before; chances are you will like it." He also suggests purchasing some bitters (whether aromatic, orange, mole or another flavor) and experimenting by mixing them with an American bourbon or rye, and some freshly squeezed fruit juice. This Sour/Old Fashioned mash-up can be a great litmus test for a whiskey. Kelly Magyarics, DWS, is a wine, spirits and lifestyle writer, and wine educator, in the Washington, D.C. area. Village Whiskey in Philadelphia, part of the Garces Group, offers 100 American whiskeys, priced from $5 to $30. Reserve 101 sells a number of American single malt whiskeys, including St. George, McCarthy's, Balcones and Westland.