How to make delicious autumnal whiskey cocktails

As autumn approaches, the types of cocktails we want changes; fruity flavours seem more suited to summer than they do for autumn. However, Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director from the Award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery and Harlen Wheatley, the brand’s Master Distiller, suggest that autumn can be a cocktail season too. Kentucky whiskey (Kentucky is the state in which over 96 per cent of bourbon is made) is growing in popularity in the UK and it is great for using in cocktails. Here's how to use Buffalo Trace Distillery's whiskey in some great autumnal cocktails.

In recent years, Kentucky whiskey has found a passionate audience in the UK. Brits, known for their love of fine spirits, have embraced this American classic taste with open arms, keen to explore the diverse world of whiskey beyond the traditional Scotch and Irish favourites.

This appeal lies not just in the bold, smoky flavours but also in the rich history and craftsmanship associated with each bottle. Kentucky enjoys very hot and humid weather which expedites the impact of the wood from the new barrel on the bourbon as it ages and speeds up the reactions that naturally occur during this process. As a result for Kentucky bourbon, it leads to complexity and depth of flavour, which is revealed to the drinker on first sip.

As soon as the bourbon enters the barrels it begins to evolve. As each barrel is filled, the spirit begins to soak into the wood and then reactions and extractions start to occur.  Over time the new charred oak barrels impart desirable flavours along with a rich amber colour that results in a balanced, more complex spirit.   

Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery explains: “We believe there is no shortcut or substitute for age in the production of outstanding whiskey. Equally important to age in the creation of premium bourbon is the maturity of spirit—meaning how the whiskey changes and develops over time due to a variety of factors. Age often contributes to creating a mature spirit, but many additional factors including oak, barrel char, temperature, humidity, light, and more work together to create an outstanding tasting experience.

“All of the above contributes to the creation of outstanding American whiskey. Specifically, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s flagship bourbon—Buffalo Trace Bourbon—which boasts a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses, with tasting notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise, and a quality that bourbon drinkers agree surpasses anything else at its price point.”

One of the UK’s top cocktails each year is the classic bourbon based Old Fashioned. With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that in the UK, American Whiskey sales continue to rise year on year. Much of this growth to date can be attributed to word of mouth, sparked largely by recommendations from bartenders and experts in the field.

Simple classic spirit-and-mixer serves are also growing in popularity. Buffalo Trace, with its signature Buffalo & Ginger serve, is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking for a refreshing, easy serve with whiskey.  

Here are some easy to make cocktails which all feature Buffalo Trace, for a perfect autumnal serve.

·       57ml Buffalo Trace bourbon 

·       21ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed. 

·       21ml honey syrup 

·       Lemon Twist 

·       Add the bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled 

·       Strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube 

·       Garnish with a lemon twist