Bold Fashioned

the story

Our Barrel Room twist on the Old Fashioned, one of the most influential drinks in American cocktail history.

The origins of the Old Fashioned date back to the early 1800s when the word "cocktail" was first defined as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This simple formula, published in a Hudson, New York newspaper in 1806, became the foundation for what would eventually be called the Old Fashioned. At the time, it wasn’t considered a specific drink but rather a style of preparation—a "cocktail" was simply a spirit served with sweetener, dilution, and balance.

By the mid-19th century, bartenders were experimenting with new ingredients like liqueurs, syrups, and absinthe. As cocktails became more elaborate, some drinkers began to crave a return to the straightforward, "old-fashioned" way of making a drink. The name "Old Fashioned" likely emerged during this period as patrons requested their drinks to be made in the older, simpler style.

The cocktail gained its most famous association with bourbon or rye whiskey, although it was originally made with a variety of base spirits, including gin and brandy. The rise of American whiskey in the 19th century solidified its status as the go-to spirit for the Old Fashioned.

the producers

Never Say Die Bourbon - Kentucky

Named after the legendary Kentucky thoroughbred "Never Say Die," this bourbon draws inspiration from the horse’s historic 1954 victory at the Epsom Derby, becoming the first American-bred horse to win the prestigious race in 73 years. Like its namesake, the bourbon embodies a spirit of defying odds and achieving greatness.

Crafted in Kentucky, the bourbon is then ocean-aged on its journey to England, where it completes its maturation in a unique transatlantic aging process. This maritime voyage adds depth and complexity to the spirit, as the movement of the sea and the varying climate conditions interact with the bourbon’s charred oak barrels, creating layers of flavor that are both robust and nuanced. The result is a bourbon with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices, complemented by a subtle salinity and a velvety texture.

Tippleman’s - South Carolina

The Tippleman’s brand is rooted in Charleston, South Carolina, where Joe and MariElena Raya, the team behind Bittermilk, honed their craft and built their reputation for creating sophisticated cocktail mixers. Tippleman’s was conceived as a way to explore a broader range of flavors and techniques, offering a line of products that cater to both professional bartenders and home mixologists looking to elevate their drinks.

Tippleman’s mixers focus on unique processes and premium ingredients, such as slow-steeping, caramelizing, and barrel-aging. Each product is designed to bring depth and complexity to cocktails, showcasing the Rayas’ dedication to craftsmanship and their deep understanding of flavor.