Enjoyed: Friday, May 16, 2025

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “BOM Old Fashioned”

Ingredients: Buffalo Trace bourbon, brown sugar, natural aromatic bitters, orange fruit, bing cherry, and grapefruit twist

The occasion: We were taking our sweet time driving to Indiana for our annual visit, so a stop in Kentucky’s Bourbon Country was an easy choice. The stormy morning cancelled our outdoor plans, but we managed to visit Castle and Key Distillery near Frankfort, and then grab lunch in the historic downtown area. Bourbon with lunch is never a bad idea.

My rating: **** out of 5. I always appreciate a unique twist on the traditional Old Fashioned recipe, and this drink literally provided that–a twisted grapefruit peel resided in the glass along the orange piece and the cherry. I could smell the grapefruit oil every time I brought the glass to my lips. I enjoyed the novelty, but it wasn’t exactly a perfect fit with the bourbon’s notes.

Final thoughts: Bourbon on Main had an extensive whiskey list, as advertised. Full bottles of Pappy Van Winkle rested proudly on the bar. Husband enjoyed a shot of their “house barrel” Knob Creek, aptly named “Boat Rye’d”, I am guessing, since the Kentucky River is directly behind the building. Oh, and the food was good, too, so we wouldn’t mind returning next year.