Discovering a new twist on a classic cocktail is always a treat. Our in-house mixologist and senior designer, Jim Kershaw, shares a Vermont-themed version of an Old Fashioned that showcases WhistlePig rye whiskey and pure maple syrup. The rye is distilled on an old dairy farm just about an hour north of Orvis HQ, and the the maple syrup was made by an Orvis associate on his farm in nearby Shaftsbury.
The Old Fashioned is the official cocktail of the city of Louisville, Kentucky, as the drink was invented there, at the Pendennis Club, in the 1890s. The original called for whiskey, Angostura Bitters, a sugar cube, and water. I think you’ll agree that Jim’s version is more interesting and complex. Try one, and you’ll see.

Porchetta Old Fashioned
1. Pour:
- 1-1/2 oz. WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye
- 1/2 oz. Amaro Montenegro
- Splash of Vermont maple syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash of Orange Bitters
2. Stir over ice.
3. Strain over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.
It’s a cool drink!
I have always enjoyed my whiskey in a small glass with one ice cube, but this sounds very interesting and fun. This drink falls under the heading of cocktails, something I’ve never gotten into in a big way.
I used to watch my Dad going through the ritual of making the martinis for Mom and him. I come from the school of buying good whiskey. It’s just a matter of pouring followed by drinking, it appeals too my lazy personality. But, to cut this short, I will try concocting this version of an Old Fashioned. I might surprise myself. Right now there is little stimulation in my life.
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Excellent……Have been drinking Old Fashioned since college. This is a fine upgrade to the recipe.
Thank you