Benton’s Old Fashioned: A Smoky Variation

The Benton’s Old Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, incorporating an innovative technique known as fat-washing to infuse the bourbon with a rich, smoky flavor.

This technique, coupled with the addition of grade B maple syrup and Angostura bitters, results in a cocktail that is both complex and deeply satisfying.

Here’s how to make a Benton’s Old Fashioned, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and a truly memorable experience.

Benton’s Old Fashioned Recipe

• Fat-Washed Four Roses Bourbon (2 ounces / 60 ml): The base spirit, Four Roses bourbon, is infused with the fat from Benton’s Smoky Mountain country ham, creating a unique, smoky-sweet flavor profile that distinguishes this Old Fashioned from its traditional counterpart.
• Grade B Maple Syrup (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): Adds a rich, dark sweetness that complements the smokiness of the bourbon, providing depth and complexity.
• Angostura Bitters (2 dashes): Contributes spice and bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup and enhancing the overall flavor of the cocktail.
• Orange Twist: Used as a garnish, the orange twist adds a bright, citrus aroma that lifts and lightens the drink, providing a perfect finishing touch.

Benton’s Old Fashioned Ingredients

1. Preparing the Fat-Washed Bourbon:
   • Begin by infusing one 750 mL bottle of Four Roses bourbon with 1 1/2 ounces of liquified fat from Benton’s Smoky Mountain country ham. Combine both in a container and let sit for 4 hours at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
   • After the infusion period, place the container in the freezer for 2 hours, causing the fat to solidify. This makes it easier to separate the infused bourbon from the fat.
   • Once the fat has solidified, strain the bourbon through terry cloth or cheesecloth, removing the fat and leaving behind bourbon enriched with a distinctive smoky essence.
2. Mixing the Cocktail:
   • In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 ounces (60 ml) of the fat-washed Four Roses bourbon, 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of grade B maple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
   • Stir the mixture until well-chilled, ensuring the flavors are well-combined and the cocktail is cooled to perfection.
3. Serving:
   • Strain the chilled cocktail into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. The large ice cube melts slowly, diluting the drink minimally and maintaining its robust flavor.
   • Garnish with an orange twist. Before adding it to the drink, express (squeeze) the twist over the cocktail to release the oils, adding a fragrant citrus note that complements the smoky and sweet flavors.

Tips for the Best Benton’s Old Fashioned

• Quality Ingredients: The quality of the bourbon and the country ham fat significantly impact the final flavor of the cocktail. Opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible taste.
• Experiment with Fat-Washing: While Benton’s country ham is recommended, feel free to experiment with fats from other high-quality smoked meats to create different flavor profiles.
• Balance is Key: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on the sweetness of the bourbon and your personal taste preference, aiming for a harmonious balance between sweet, smoky, and bitter.

Benton’s Old Fashioned

Liquor, often hailed as the world’s most revered elixir, hasn’t deterred numerous bartenders from enhancing its allure with an array of ingredients.

Some opt for straightforward infusions like vodka with pineapple or rum infused with aromatic spices. Others embark on a more adventurous path, seeking harmony amidst seemingly odd elements. Enter Don Lee, whose innovation led to the creation of the now-iconic Benton’s Old Fashioned.

In 2007, within the walls of PDT, the influential New York cocktail haven, Lee delved into the realm of fat-washing, a technique where liquid fat is melded with liquor.

The amalgamation is then frozen, allowing the removal of solidified remnants, leaving behind a luscious, savory essence infused with the essence of the fat—in Lee’s case, the distinct flavor of Benton’s country ham.

Combining this infused spirit with maple syrup and Angostura bitters, Lee crafted a decadent, singular rendition of the classic Old Fashioned. His innovation not only birthed a legendary cocktail but also sparked a trend that reverberates in bars worldwide.

For those inclined to recreate this masterpiece at home, the process is relatively straightforward, provided you’re willing to prepare some ham or bacon beforehand.

It’s commonly advised to cook a bit extra to savor alongside your drink, a practice steeped in the art of indulgence.

Check out some more of the best bourbon cocktail recipes.