A Masterclass in Whisky with Old Forester

Today I opened the 5th day on my chocolate advent calendar, which means we are well on our way to Christmas Day and bang in the middle of Christmas party season. The days and nights are cold and my local pubs are stoking the log fires and therefore this has to be the most perfect time of year for a warming whisky masterclass. Not only will I be able to try the incredible Old Forester whisky in it’s neat form but also try an Old Forester Whisky Smash cocktail, which is my Christmas party cocktail choice.

The masterclass was arranged by Old Forester with their knowledgeable brand ambassadors and took place at the Brasserie Bar, Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in Clerkenwell, London. The venue has history, character and so does the whisky…they are a perfect blend.

It is great to be learning about a brand that has its beginnings in 1870 and has survived the prohibition and two world wars, which is an incredible feat. Today is also Repeal Day, if you are reading this on the 5th December and is the perfect time to get together with friends and family to pay tribute to our constitutional rights. 

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TASTING NOTES

NOSE

Sharp and sweet, with a strong floral character that swirls with hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. A touch of oak and pine provides a strong underpinning.

TASTE

Sharp at first, but softens quickly, with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain character. Spicy, with soft vanilla and light orange notes.

FINISH

Long, warm and slightly drying. Nice level of sweetness.

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As a massive fan of the 1920's it was a joy to learn that Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon, cleverly held one of only six federal licenses to continue producing whisky for medicinal purposes. So not only did exceptional fashion come out of the 1920's but Old Forester survived and because of that, today we are able to sample one of the true whisky greats. 

HOW TO MAKE AN OLD FORESTER WHISKY SMASH COCKTAIL

Ingredients
Ice
50ml Old Forester Whisky
20ml Sugar Syrup
20ml Lemon Juice
Dash of Bitters
Lemon Wedges
Fresh Mint

Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour in 50ml of Old Forester whisky, 20ml of simple sugar syrup, 20ml of lemon juice, freshly torn mint and a dash of bitters. Shake vigorously.
ill a glass with crushed ice. Pour the shaken cocktail over the crushed ice. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and bunch of mint.

After the masterclass and with my newly learnt knowledge about whisky and in particular whisky cocktail making, I have decided to create my own take on the classic Old Forester Whisky Smash. I call it the Risky Whisky Smash, mainly because let's be honest, I’m no qualified mixologist!

HOW TO MAKE AN OLD FORESTER ‘RISKY WHISKY SMASH’ COCKTAIL

Ingredients
Ice
50ml Old Forester Whisky
15ml Monin Lavender Syrup
20ml Lemon Juice
Lemon Wedges
Lavender Sprigs

Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour in 50ml of Old Forester whisky, 15ml of lavender syrup and 20ml of lemon juice. Shake vigorously.
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Pour the shaken cocktail over the crushed ice. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and sprig of lavender.

Give them both a try at home and let me know which one you prefer!

BUY OLD FORESTER WHISKEY

From Stockist TESCO for £25.00

Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon received 95 points “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” in the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge®. 

For more information, visit http://www.oldforester.com/ and follow on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/oldforester/

This post was a sponsored collaboration with Old Forester Whiskey.