Let's have a quick chat about bourbon.
There is never a wrong season to reach for a glass of bourbon. Thankfully bourbon has outgrown its image as the drink of choice just for Grandpa. And you would be hard pressed to find a bar in town that does not have a shelf full of America's finest. Ranging from refreshing to deeper flavor, you are bound to find a bourbon cocktail you’ll love in this town. Here are 4 to start drinking right now.
Roots Radicals at The Pinewood. When we are in Decatur craving a cocktail, you'll find us at The Pinewood. And when the mood for bourbon hits, it's the Honey Badger made with Old Forrester Bourbon, serrano pepper, Georgia honey, lemon, Noilly Prat Ambre and bitters . If you stroll in on Wednesdays, you'll only pay ½ price for whiskey drinks.
Barrel Aged Manhattan at Local Three. When you walk into Local Three and get a glimpse at the menu, you'll see Chris Hall's passion for bourbon immediately. Be warned that you may be overwhelmed by all of the options. While the cocktail menu changes frequently, one staple is the serving up the Barrel Aged Manhattan with Old Forester bourbon, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. It's a classic cocktail, made perfectly.
Angel's Envy Barrel Aged Manhattan at The Establishment. The Establishment in Buckhead has - ahem - established itself as force to be reckoned with when it comes to bourbon seelction. Our go-to is the Angel 's Envy Barrel Aged Manhattan. This drink boasts Angel 's Envy, Cocchi Barolo Chinato, Angostura bitters, Peychaud's bitters and Xocolatl Mole Bitters. It's rich and warm, with mild hints of cocoa. It's a very well balanced, very strong reinvention of the classic cocktail.
Smoked Bourbon at Cook Hall. Sitting in a smokey room and sipping on whiskey is a scene straight from the silver screen, so it's only right that those two things should come together in a cocktail. Buckhead's Cook Hall marries a well done drink with some showmanship. The smokey sipper combines Rittenhouse Rye, Dolin dry vermouth, Pauolucci Amaro, maraschino luxardo and Angostura bitters.
And special shout out to The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, who offers Bow Ties and Bourbon every Friday from 6 – 7 p.m.. While you're sipping, experts will show you how to tie the perfect bow tie. Outside of a seersucker suit, it doesn't get much more Southern than that.
