Woodford Reserve’s Old Fashioned Week: Where (and how) to enjoy the classic American cocktail

One of the most iconic American cocktails, the old fashioned has established itself as the ultimate whisky-based concoction. It’s a symbol of class and a favourite of connoisseurs.

While it can be made also with scotch or Japanese liquor, the original recipe is a mix of bourbon, sugar and bitter. Kentucky distillery Woodford Reserve have extended their Old Fashioned Week to run throughout the whole of November, working alongside leading bars to offer unique takeaway and home-delivered versions of this cocktail.

This collaboration with the nation’s favourite bars aims to treat whiskey lovers to a modern twist on an American classic. A favourite of bartenders worldwide, Woodford Reserve is the only whiskey to boast over 200 flavour notes, creating the perfect balance of taste. From its rich aroma to its distinctive depth of flavour and characteristic colour, every drop of this bourbon is a spectacle for the senses, designed to surprise and delight with each sip.

From Hawksmoor’s iconic Fuller Fat Old Fashioned to Swift’s ready-to-pour Speakeasy at Home range, there’s truly an old fashioned to suit every taste. Here’s a round-up of some of the best spots to order the revered cocktail to-go or have it delivered direct to your door.

Swift

Popular Soho spot Swift will be serving up their bespoke cocktails straight to your door. Combining Woodford Reserve, silky demerara sugar, orange and Angostura bitters, Swift’s old fashioned is a classic not to be missed. All cocktails are available in either a pouch (two serves) or a bottle (five serves) and can be taken from the fridge and poured straight into your glass.

Coupette

Upgrade your takeaway game this month and treat yourself to a classic old fashioned cocktail from one of the best-kept secrets on the London bar scene. Available through Deliveroo for £10 per bottle, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy this classic concoction from the comfort of your home.

Hawksmoor

Celebrate the old fashioned cocktail in true style with Hawksmoor’s Fuller Fat Old Fashioned. This irresistible cocktail combines the tastes and smells of Woodford Reserve, washed with brown butter and sweetened with tonka bean and chocolate to create the ultimate rich and indulgent digestif. Each 200ml bottle is available for delivery and takeaway and arrives pre-mixed; simply pour over ice and garnish with either a bay leaf or orange twist.

Or, for those looking to try their own hand at creating the iconic concoction – or those who are planning an apt Christmas present for a lover of this classic cocktail –  the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Gift Pack provides all the tools you need to get started on your mixology journey.

We’ve three exclusive tips from the Kentucky distillery – which you can write down and add to the gift:

1. Be gentle with your bitters! They’re essential for balance, but very concentrated. Keep your dashes small in order for the bourbon to shine through clearly.
2. Stir time should correspond to the type of ice in your glass! For ice that is wet, or made up of smaller cubes, reduce your stir time. For larger or dryer ice cubes, stir your old fashioned for a little longer
3. Keep your favourite old fashioned glass in the freezer. This will help your cocktail stay deliciously cold for much longer!

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For further information visit the Woodford Reserve website here.