Bardstown Discovery Recipe

Chill glass

Place an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Prepare garnish

Cut a wide strip of orange peel (about 1.5 x 2 inches). Set aside for expression and final garnish.

In a mixing glass add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz amaro, 0.5 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.25 oz rich simple syrup.

Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

Add plenty of large, fresh ice to the mixing glass (enough to fill it about two-thirds).

Stir gently but thoroughly for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (target roughly 20–30% dilution). Use a figure-eight stirring motion and check the condensation on the glass as a guide.

Discard the ice or remove the chilled Old Fashioned glass from the freezer. Place one large ice sphere or very large clear ice cube in the chilled glass.

Double-strain (if desired) or single-strain the stirred cocktail into the prepared glass over the large ice.

If using the optional rum float: gently pour 0.25 oz aged rum over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on the drink; this adds a subtle molasses/Caribbean note reminiscent of Bardstown trade history.

Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it peel-side down about 2–3 inches above the surface and giving it a firm twist to release the oils. Run the peel around the rim, then drop it onto the ice as garnish.

If you want a smoked aroma: light a few wood chips, capture the smoke in a cloche or invert a small jar over the glass for 10–20 seconds, then remove before serving. Alternatively, add a tiny spritz of peaty single malt to the surface for aroma.

Serve immediately and enjoy slowly to appreciate the layered flavors.