Doggone Old Fashioned
Doggone Old Fashioned
Hopefully this brief glimpse into the world of Shinji Ishii and the Story of Po has given you new insight into this lovely, evocative piece by Yoh Kakuda, and into the stories which inspire Kakuda’s charming works of art. To continue the theme I’ve paired POH with a special Japanese themed twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. The Old Fashioned is essentially the original cocktail, an American invention from the early 1800’s. The first description appeared in an 1806 newspaper describing a “cocktail” as a combination of spirits, bitters, water and sugar. It was finally referred to as the “Old Fashioned” in 1881 at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Nowadays, a proper “classic” Old Fashioned has bourbon, ice, and a bitters soaked sugar cube, just like the original.
Doggone it, this is delicious
For the “Doggone Old Fashioned”, this special Japanese themed version named after another character from the Story of Po, I’ve used an exquisite Japanese whisky, the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. The Yamazaki was named best whisky in the world in 2015. For the sugar I created a special Umeshu Plum Wine syrup which is incredibly delicious. The bitters are replaced with cherry blossom oil essence, aromatized across the top of the glass. One sip and you’ll be transported directly to Tokyo. Here’s to the timeless beauty of life and all its lessons. Kampai!
A timeless pair
Doggone Old Fashioned
2 oz Yamazaki whisky
¼ oz umeshu plum wine syrup
Cherry blossom essence
In a mixing glass, stir the whiskey and syrup with ice. Strain into an old fashioned glass with a large cube. Spray the cherry blossom oil over the drink or add a few drops directly. Enjoy while contemplating the meaning of life.
For prior variation of the Old Fashioned: