Throwback to April 29, 2016

1. “All that tuition money we paid to VCU, and now I may not be there to bask in the glow of commencement exercises? No way!”

2. “I am simply going to phone the President of Duke University and tell him that this is unacceptable.”

3. “It’s only 156 miles between campuses. If we drive 100 miles per hour, we may be able to make it on time to both ceremonies.”

4. “One of those kids just has to flunk this semester, so he or she can graduate on another date. Simple!”

5. “It’s like that old movie, Sophie’s Choice. Which child of mine do I love better?”

6. “Oh, $%#& this! *&%$ it!”

INTRODUCTION: I read an article, a few weeks ago, which suggested that one way to make our summer memorable (as we slowly return to pre-pandemic conditions) is to pick a favorite food and sample it at various locations. I decided, instead, to pick one of my top-five favorite classic cocktails (i.e. the Old Fashioned) and to sample it at various locations. And so my new adventure begins…

Enjoyed: Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Listed on the menu: Yes, as a specialty drink, The Dye House Old Fashioned.

Listed ingredients: Bourbon, Amaro Lucano, serrano syrup, orange bitters, and aromatic bitters.

The occasion: Oldest Son is fully vaccinated, as are all the members of my family, so he came to visit us at our home in Charlottesville for the first time since Christmas 2019. We took him to The Wool Factory, an old textile mill now re-furbished into a brewery/restaurant/event venue, in the Woolen Mills neighborhood, near the Rivanna River. The location is pretty and historic, and a unique addition to our cool little town. And there’s outdoor seating, so win-win!

My rating: I always smell the drink first, and the scent of this drink was its greatest weakness–it reminded me of stale onions in the refrigerator. I suspect the smell comes from the serrano syrup, which was also responsible for the drink’s greatest strength–the peppery tingle it left in my mouth, which blended curiously well with the orange and bourbon flavors. The amaro added a bit of bitterness, and I would probably have omitted this ingredient if I were making this drink. 3 *** out of 5.

Final thoughts: I was hoping to begin my Old Fashioned Tour with a more enjoyable drink. Husband ordered the same, and he was under-impressed. Next time here, I am getting the beer from the brewery, which earned praise from Son.