The Port Royal
This lush take on the Old Fashioned cocktail from Head Bartender Pete Stanton of Ai Fiori NYC plays up the tropical flavors sometimes found in cask-strength bourbon. The bold vanilla, caramel, and nut tones of Barrell Bourbon Batch 032 are paired with ester-forward rum and banana, invoking the best characteristics of bananas foster. Velvet Falernum and Pineau de Charantes, an aperitif from the Cognac region, add nutty sweetness, accentuated by dark chocolate bitters.
The Port Royal
● 2 ounces Barrell Bourbon Batch 032
● ½ ounce Pineau des Charantes
● 0.25 oz banana-infused Barrell Rum*
● 0.25 Velvet Falernum
● 6 dashes of chocolate bitters
● Dehydrated banana chip, for garnish
Add all ingredients except dehydrated banana to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well, then strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass with a big ice cube. Garnish with dehydrated banana chip and enjoy.
*Banana-infused Barrell Rum
Add 140 grams (roughly 4 ounces) of dried, unsalted banana chips to 8 ounces of Barrell Rum. Allow to infuse for 24 hours, and strain.