Are you ready to embark on a spirited adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and ignites your sense of wanderlust? Join us as we explore the world of cocktail tourism, with a special focus on the ever-popular Smoked Old Fashioned. This classic cocktail, with its smoky twist on tradition, has captured the hearts of mixology enthusiasts worldwide. Let's dive into a series of travel itineraries designed to take you on a journey through the best distilleries, bars, and mixology classes featuring this delightful libation.
1. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Heart of American Whiskey
No Smoked Old Fashioned tour would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of bourbon. Kentucky's famous Bourbon Trail offers the perfect starting point for our cocktail adventure.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Start in Louisville with a visit to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
- Head to Bardstown, the "Bourbon Capital of the World," for a tour of the Heaven Hill Distillery
- Don't miss Maker's Mark in Loretto, where you can dip your own bottle in their signature red wax
- Finish in Lexington at the James E. Pepper Distillery, home to some of the best Smoked Old Fashioneds in the state.
Pro Tip: Book a mixology class at the Bourbon Academy in Louisville to perfect your Smoked Old Fashioned technique.
2. New York City: The Cocktail Capital
New York City's vibrant cocktail scene offers a modern twist on the Smoked Old Fashioned, with innovative bars pushing the boundaries of mixology.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Begin at Death & Co. in the East Village, a pioneering craft cocktail bar.
- Visit The Dead Rabbit in Lower Manhattan, voted World's Best Bar multiple times
- Experience Attaboy, the successor to the legendary Milk & Honey, known for bespoke cocktails
- End your night at Employees Only, a speakeasy-style bar with award-winning mixologists
Don't Miss: Take a cocktail making class at Liquor Lab to learn the art of smoking cocktails from expert mixologists.
3. Scotland: A Whisky Lover's Paradise
While Scotland might be known for Scotch rather than bourbon, their expertise in whisky makes for some exceptional Smoked Old Fashioneds.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Start in Edinburgh with a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience.
- Head to Speyside, home to nearly half of Scotland's whisky distilleries, including Glenfiddich and The Macallan
- Don't miss the Isle of Islay for a taste of peated whiskies at Laphroaig or Ardbeg
- Finish in Glasgow at The Pot Still, boasting over 700 whiskies and expert bartenders
4. Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Japan's cocktail scene is renowned for its precision and attention to detail, making it a must-visit destination for Smoked Old Fashioned enthusiasts.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Begin at Bar High Five in Ginza, run by legendary bartender Hidetsugu Ueno
- Visit Gen Yamamoto for a unique, seasonally-inspired take on classic cocktails
- Experience the art of Japanese whisky at The Mash Tun in Meguro
- End your tour at Bar BenFiddich, known for its innovative use of herbs and spices in cocktails
Cultural Experience: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to appreciate the parallels between this ancient ritual and the art of cocktail making.
5. Melbourne: Australia's Cocktail Hub
Melbourne's thriving food and drink scene makes it an unexpected but delightful destination for Smoked Old Fashioned aficionados.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Start at The Everleigh, a world-class cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe.
- Visit Eau de Vie for their theatrical take on the Smoked Old Fashioned
- Experience Black Pearl, a local institution with an ever-changing cocktail menu
- End your night at Above Board, an intimate 16-seat bar known for perfectly executed classics
Local Twist: Don't miss the opportunity to try a Smoked Old Fashioned made with Australian whisky at Starward Distillery.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious novice, these Smoked Old Fashioned tours offer a unique way to explore the world through the lens of mixology. From the bourbon-soaked hills of Kentucky to the sleek bars of Tokyo, each destination offers its own twist on this classic cocktail. Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver or use local transportation options. Cheers to new adventures and perfectly smoked cocktails!
Ready to embark on your Smoked Old Fashioned adventure? Start planning your cocktail tour today and discover the world one sip at a time!
Keywords: Smoked Old Fashioned, cocktail tours, mixology classes, distillery visits, craft cocktails, bourbon trail, whiskey tourism, cocktail bars
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