Benton’s Old-Fashioned

The Benton's Old-Fashioned was developed by Don Lee While working at PDT in New York. It is most likely the first drink to use the technique of "Fat Washing" to add the flavor of bacon fat to the bourbon being used.

Recipe

Benton's Old-Fashioned

• 2 ounces Benton's Bacon Fat-Infused bourbon
• 1/4 ounce maple syrup, Grade B
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir all ingredients in an ice filled mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.

Benton's Bacon Fat-Infused bourbon

Fat washing is the process of combining hot fat to a liquid, and once the fat solidifies, straining it off. This will allow some of the flavors from the fat to infuse into the liquid before the fat has a chance to solidify. In the case of bacon, the liquid will be infused with a decidedly "bacon" flavor.

Benton's Bacon Fat-Infused bourbon

• 1 1/2 ounces bacon fat (Benton's, or a thick cut bacon)
• 750 ml bourbon

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the bacon over a low heat.
2. Once the fat mostly melts (about 5 minutes), combine the liquid fat and bourbon in a large heat-proof container and stir.
3. Allow to set for about four hours, then move it to a freezer for two hours.
4. Remove any obvious chunks of fat, then strain through cheesecloth to remove the rest.
5. Bottle and store in the refrigerator.

External Links

• The Science of Fat-Washing Cocktails (Serious Eats)
• Benton's Old-Fashioned (Difford's Guide)
• Benton's Old-Fashioned (Liquor.com)
• Benton's Old-Fashioned (PunchDrink.com)
• Benton's Fat Washed Bourbon (PunchDrink.com)