What do Mark Twain, Lady Gaga and Winston Churchill have in common? It’s not the beginning of a bad joke; these famous figures are all self-proclaimed fans of whiskey, one of our timeless favorites and a Kimpton bar staple.
If you’re a whiskey first-timer (no shame in that), try a classic Old Fashioned which is a mix of whiskey, bitters, sugar and ice with a twist of lemon. Add accents of cherry and orange peel if you like a sweeter kick. A Manhattan is also a great choice that blends whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it neat with a drop of water to reduce alcohol burn. And when in doubt, just think: “What would Don Draper do?”
A Classic Old Fashioned
Through the wintery days of December, all of Kimpton’s bars, restaurants and lounges nationwide will shine a much-deserved spotlight on All-American whiskey. Distilled from grains such as malted barley, wheat, corn or rye, we love to imbibe in spirits that warm the soul.
Here’s a smattering of American whiskies that you can find at our bars, restaurants and lounges this holiday season. This is only the tip of the tumbler so be sure to strike up a conversation with your bartender to learn more. We hope you join us on this whiskey pilgrimage from The Golden State of California to Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Buffalo Trace Distillery— The legendary Buffalo Trace distillery was able to remain operational during Prohibition for “medicinal” reasons. Today they make many of the finest American whiskies. Try the Buffalo Trace Bourbon at 90 proof. (Frankfurt, Kentucky)
Breaking & Entering Bourbon by St. George Spirits — The geniuses at St. George Spirits have hand-selected barrels of whiskey in Kentucky to blend together for this wonderful expression of bourbon. (Alameda, California)
Wild Turkey Rye — Jimmy Russell is an iconic Master Disteller who has been at Wild Turkey since 1954. The distillery is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, naturally. (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky)
Bulleit Rye — This is a lively and spicy rye-dominant whiskey that clocks in at 90 proof. It’s currently made by Tom Bulleit, the great-great-grandson of Augustus Bulleit, the original creator. (Louisville, Kentucky)
Woodford Reserve — The official whiskey of the Kentucky Derby, this 90-proof bourbon is distilled and aged at the Labrot & Graham Distillery. (Woodford County, Kentucky)
High West Distillery & Saloon – Small craft distillers are popping up all over the country and these High West whiskies are fun and unexpected, particularly since they’re produced in alcohol-shy Utah. (Park City, Utah).
