Why We Love Bourbon: America's Beloved Spirit

In America, we have a deep-rooted love affair with bourbon—a complex, sweet, sometimes spicy, and always smooth spirit. Is it the appeal to our sweet tooth? Or perhaps it's the spirit’s distinctly American roots, born and perfected in the heart of Kentucky? Either way, when it comes to dark spirits, bourbon stands out as one of the most approachable for beginners.

Take my story, for example. In my twenties, I was working at a five-star restaurant, just beginning to explore the world of spirits. I was studying for my sommelier certification and regularly tasting some of the finest wines in the world—but I hadn’t yet encountered a spirit that truly captivated me. That changed the day a chef invited me to try a small bottle of bourbon someone had gifted him—something called Pappy Van Winkle. I’d never heard of it before, but I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to try something new.

What I experienced that day wasn’t just a drink—it was a revelation. That little bottle contained one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world, and it was one of the most complex, beautiful, and memorable things I’ve ever tasted. I was hooked.

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What Makes Bourbon, Bourbon?

Bourbon is, at its core, whiskey—but with a little extra love. By law, it must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The corn gives bourbon its natural sweetness, while the oak barrels contribute its rich caramel color and enticing aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, clove, and sometimes even tobacco, thanks to the char.

Those warm, baking spice notes are what make bourbon so inviting and versatile—perfect both for sipping neat and mixing into cocktails.

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Ellyse Perkin Photography

The Old Fashioned

“No single cocktail is as iconic, as beloved, or as discussed and fought-over as the Old Fashioned.”That’s how Robert Simonson begins his book The Old-Fashioned, a whole volume dedicated to one drink. That alone speaks to the Old Fashioned’s place in American history and cocktail culture.

While the original versions were made with a variety of spirits—like Genever, Brandy (still popular in Wisconsin!), and Rye Whiskey—today, it’s most often made with bourbon.

This is what’s known as a “built” drink: all ingredients are added to a mixing glass and stirred with ice, rather than shaken. Stirring chills the drink while achieving the perfect dilution—ideally between 23 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit, for those cocktail geeks among us who keep a thermometer handy.

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Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

The classic version is refreshingly simple, with just four core ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon (choose a rich, full-bodied variety)

• 2–4 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 bar spoon of simple syrup (approx. 1.5 oz)

• Ice (a single large cube is best)

How to Make It:

1. Place a large ice cube in an unchilled glass.

2. Dash the bitters over the cube.

3. Add the bourbon and simple syrup.

4. Stir for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.

5. Peel a strip of orange zest using a vegetable peeler (avoid the white pith). Express the oils from the peel over the glass (you can even use a torch to ignite the oils for a dramatic spark!).

6. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, then drop it in.

7. Sip and enjoy!

   
   

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We can't wait for you to try our signature Old Fashioned at your next Winston’s event. As for that special house recipe—you’ll have to ask the bartender in person. Cheers!