In the world of mixology, simplicity often reigns supreme, particularly with the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. This venerable drink emerged in the 1800s as a response to overly elaborate cocktails, offering patrons a straightforward, yet delightful combination of spirit, bitters, and sugar. Traditionally crafted with whiskey, the Old Fashioned’s versatility allows for myriad interpretations, including a refreshing twist with rum that transports the drinker to tropical locales.

Opting for rum instead of whiskey introduces distinct flavors; bourbon originates from a mash with at least 51% corn, while rum starts from sugar cane. This subtle shift brings a rounded sweetness to the cocktail, enhancing its profile without the cloying feel of extra sugar. For a particularly delicious rum Old Fashioned, it’s crucial to respect the quality of ingredients. Selecting a richer, aged rum, like El Dorado’s 12 or 15-year bottlings, can add depth, complemented by the oaky flavors gained during the aging process.

Though one could prepare the cocktail directly in the glass, using a separate mixing vessel allows better control over dilution and taste. Instead of a stubborn sugar cube, opting for simple syrup helps ensure a smoother drink without residual sweetness at the bottom. When it comes to bitters, consider combining aromatic and orange varieties for a spiced, citrus finish. For a unique flair, you might experiment with tiki-style bitters or even chocolate bitters to heighten the rum’s oak notes. Finally, swap the traditional orange peel for innovative garnishes like a dehydrated orange slice, a pineapple wedge, or a pineapple frond to fully embrace the tropical theme of your new drink.

With these adjustments, you can effectively take your Old Fashioned from familiar Kentucky roots to the vibrant Caribbean, offering a delightful, simple cocktail that exemplifies the joy of mixology.

There are numerous inquiries people have about whiskey, and as someone who spends a lot of time researching and discussing the spirit, I’ve heard many of them at events like book signings and tastings. Here are the five most common whiskey-related questions I’ve encountered, along with my insights.

Is More Expensive Whiskey Always Better?

It’s a common misconception that the priciest whiskey is the best. However, the quality of whiskey does not directly correlate with its price. The cost of a bottle often reflects its rarity, demand, and additional factors such as barrel aging, warehousing, and production costs. Moreover, as whiskey ages, there’s evaporation, also known as the angel’s share, reducing the volume available and thus increasing the price of remaining bottles.

Is Older Whiskey Always Better?

Age isn’t a guaranteed sign of quality in whiskey. While some older whiskies may be excellent, others can be overly tannic or unpalatable. The aging process is complex and varies between brands. Therefore, it’s possible to prefer a younger expression from one brand while favoring an older version from another.

What’s the Deal with Whiskey vs. Whisky?

The spelling distinction generally indicates origin; "whiskey" with an "e" refers to spirits from the U.S. and Ireland, while "whisky" without the "e" pertains to Scotland, Japan, and Canada. Confusion arises because some brands do not adhere to these rules, such as Maker’s Mark, which is officially labeled as Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky. Historically, the usage of these terms has lacked strict adherence.

Can You Add Water, Ice, or Anything to Whiskey?

Absolutely! Enjoy your whiskey in whatever way you prefer. The famed master distiller Booker Noe often enjoyed his bourbon mixed with ice and water, which he termed Kentucky Iced Tea. Adjusting the ratio of ingredients based on the day is totally acceptable. Adding a bit of water can enhance the release of flavors and aromas in whiskey.

Does Bourbon Have to Come from Kentucky?

Legally, bourbon must be produced in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to come from Kentucky. Nevertheless, this state is responsible for the majority of bourbon production in the country. Interestingly, bourbon was historically made in Canada and Mexico before legislative definitions were established, and while distillers outside the U.S. can produce bourbon, they cannot label it as such.

For more on whiskey-related topics, you can check out resources like Men’s Journal. Cheers!

Shortlist had the unique opportunity to test the ultra-rare Diplomático Chancellor rum at a launch event in London’s Banking Hall, a historic site once home to Lloyds Bank. This exceptional rum comes from a limited batch of only 900 bottles, marking it as part of the distillery’s Prestige Range, alongside others like the Ambassador and Single Vintage.

The tasting experience of Diplomático Chancellor was enhanced by a specially composed piece of music titled "The Chancellor’s Treasured Notes" by Venezuelan composer Clara Rodriguez. This composition was crafted to resonate with the tasting notes of the rum, part of a research collaboration with Oxford University exploring the concept of ‘sonic seasoning’—the notion of pairing music with food and drink to heighten the sensory experience.

Rodriguez explained that the music is divided into three parts, mirroring the tasting process of the rum. Each segment uses specific musical notes to embody the flavors: low bass notes symbolize the tobacco-like finish, while a 3/4 waltz tempo captures the sweeter vanilla notes, complemented by a vibrant rhythm reflecting the spice and dried fruit essence.

Elena Petrov, the Global Brand Director at Diplomático, highlighted the importance of the drink, inviting discerning collectors to enjoy this refined expression, which boasts complex flavors like butterscotch, vanilla, raisins, and lingering tobacco. The earthiness of the rum transitions effortlessly into a sweet finish, making for a memorable sip.

For those interested in acquiring a bottle, the Diplomático Chancellor is exclusively available at The Whiskey Exchange for £1,900, complete with a recommendation to enjoy the accompanying musical piece while savoring the drink.

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The Hagen History Center’s sprawling 50-acre sunflower field is not just a visual delight but has now become a vital part of a new venture. In collaboration with the Wilds Sonshine (Sunshine) Factory, they are transforming sunflowers into a unique spiced rum called 1898 Bayfront Reserve, which will be crafted from sunflower seeds.

To mark this innovative partnership, an event was held at the Hagen History Center where attendees had the opportunity to sample the new spirit. This special rum is set to be available exclusively in Erie County, pending label approval from federal authorities, with a targeted launch in the summer of 2026.

This exciting development not only showcases local agriculture but also introduces a novel product to the market, merging the beauty of sunflowers with the art of distillation, making it a noteworthy addition to Erie’s burgeoning spirits scene.

Many islands lay claim to being the culinary capital of the Caribbean, but Barbados stands as the true birthplace of rum. Rum ambassador Corey Sobers emphasizes this, recalling that other regions often fail to back their assertions with proof. Historical documentation supports Barbados’ claim, as Mount Gay distillery—established in 1703—holds the title of the world’s oldest rum distillery.

Visitors can connect with this legacy at various distilleries, including Mount Gay, but a notable experience awaits at the Rum Vault in the Colony Club. This recently renovated boutique resort on the Platinum Coast offers a unique rum-tasting experience and boasts a collection of over 150 rums sourced from around the globe, including Barbados’ finest. You can enjoy rum tasting sessions or a cocktail dinner experience in the exclusive Rum Vault.

Drinking rum is deeply ingrained in Barbadian culture, reflected in the estimated 1,500 rum shops scattered across the island, catering to a population of less than 300,000. This vibrant rum tradition is gaining recognition, with efforts underway to place it on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, highlighting historical sites like Mount Gay and St. Nicholas Abbey, where a small-batch distillery operates on a plantation steeped in history.

The island’s rum heritage intersects with its colonial past, tracing back to the 17th century when sugar plantations thrived under British rule, built on the labor of enslaved Africans. The realization that molasses could be transformed into alcohol gave rise to what was initially crude and potent “kill-devil” rum, eventually evolving into the refined spirits enjoyed today.

Rum produced in Barbados is unique, benefiting from the island’s tropical climate that accelerates the aging process of the liquor. The island is composed of ancient coral reef, yielding extremely pure water essential for rum production. Mount Gay utilizes water sourced from an artesian well fed by centuries-old coral caverns.

Attractions such as Harrison’s Cave exemplify Barbados’ natural beauty, drawing visitors into its stunning underworld filled with flowing streams and stalactite formations. Immersing oneself in the local rum culture includes enjoying cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders, who often approach mixology with a relaxed and carefree attitude, symbolizing the spirit of Barbados.

Related Links:

• Mount Gay Rum
• Colony Club Resort
• St. Nicholas Abbey
• UNESCO World Heritage Bid
• Harrison’s Cave

Whiskey and auto racing may seem like an unexpected pairing, but in 2022, Jack Daniel’s took a significant step in merging these two worlds by partnering with McLaren Racing for a multi-year collaboration. The partnership has led to the release of three distinctive whiskey varieties, with the latest addition being the 2026 McLaren Mastercard F1 Team X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. This special edition whiskey is bottled at 86 proof, a notch above the usual Jack Daniel’s strength.

This isn’t the first high-proof release in this collaboration; last year’s version was also released at 86 proof. The increase in proof heightens the whiskey’s flavor profile, enhancing its heat and texture compared to a milder variant. The whiskey maintains the familiar mash bill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, ensuring that it retains the quality associated with Jack Daniel’s, distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The whiskey undergoes the distillation process that includes filtering through sugar maple charcoal, following the Lincoln County process, before being matured in new charred oak barrels.

The 2026 release not only commemorates McLaren’s milestone of their 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix but also salutes the 160th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery. This limited-edition bottle features an eye-catching orange and black design that resembles tire tracks, reflecting the spirit of both brands. Mark Bacon, SVP and global managing director for Jack Daniel’s, emphasized the shared dedication of both brands to heritage and innovation, stating that this bottle represents their mutual legacy.

The 2026 whiskey is set to hit select retailers this month in 700-ml and one-liter formats, with an SRP of $35. Previous collaborations are still available online, including past releases featured on sites like Total Wine.