If you’re a fan of limited-edition collectibles, this bottle is a bar baron. By Gayatri Moodliar
In the long and storied history of bar-shelf decor, decanters have held their own. Dukes and earls loved them, as did our maharajas. The idea of housing formidable liquor in crystal is also uniquely appealing in the modern world, because we still desire centrepieces and objects of conversation. The Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition proves this. The bottle has been crafted by Baccarat’s award-winning artisans, and is a poem in sleekness. Inside, the special Woodford Reserve bourbon has complex notes of French oak and fruits, with a soft-spicy, creamy finish—this is because after maturing in American oak, it has been finished in XO Cognac casks for an additional three years. This collectible is available exclusively at Delhi Duty-Free for US$1,500.
Classic Mixology
They say bourbon can elevate any cocktail, and these age-old favourites are no exceptions.
1. MISTER MANHATTAN
One of the most requested classics, the Manhattan is smooth and easy. Bourbon has to be the liquor of choice, because it lets the cocktail pair well with most cuisines. Pour 60ml of bourbon, 15ml of sweet vermouth, 15ml of dry vermouth, and a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters into a mixing glass, add ice, and mix well.
2. THE NEW OLD-FASHIONED
In the early 1800s, some lazy but creative bloke got the idea to add sweet and tang to whiskey, and the Old-Fashioned was born. For this immensely-popular cocktail, all you need to do is put a sugar cube in the centre of a glass, soak it with three dashes of Angostura Bitters, add a slice of orange (or twist a peel and drop it in) and then some ice. Pour the bourbon over this and top off with 15ml of soda.
3. JOHN COLLINS SR.
A great cocktail to highlight the quality of the bourbon, all it needs is some lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. Add 60ml of bourbon, 30ml of lemon juice, 15ml of simple syrup, and 60ml of soda. Add some ice and stir well. Garnish with a slice of fresh or dehydrated orange.
4. KENTUCKY COFFEE
Coffee and bourbon are a match made in tipsy heaven, with the spicy overtones of bourbon complementing the boldness of coffee. Adding honey takes this over the edge. In a pre-heated mug, add 30ml of bourbon and 15ml of honey liqueur (or half a teaspoon of honey), and then 200ml of coffee. Garnish with some whipped cream.
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