Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 Recipe

Prepare glass and ice

Place a single large ice cube into a rocks glass and set the glass aside to chill while you assemble the drink.

Build the drink

In a mixing glass or directly in the chilled rocks glass, pour 2 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124, add 0.25 oz simple syrup, then add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Stir and lightly dilute

If using a mixing glass: add ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full rotations) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted. If assembled in the rocks glass on the single ice cube, briefly stir with a bar spoon for 8–12 seconds to incorporate the syrup and bitters.

Finish and garnish

If you used a mixing glass, strain the chilled cocktail over the large ice cube in the prepared rocks glass. Express the oils from the orange peel by holding it over the drink and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Serve

Present immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the high proof character; allow the ice to melt slightly to open aromatics and flavors.

Pour 1 oz filtered water into a small glass. Take a small sip of water before tasting the bourbon to clean your palate. Between sips of the cocktail (or neat tasting), chew a small piece of cracker or neutral bread to reset the palate if necessary.

If you prefer to taste the barrel proof expression neat before the cocktail: pour 0.5–1 oz neat into a tasting glass, let it rest 5 minutes to open, then add a few drops of water to taste to reveal mid-palate flavors.