An “Old Fashioned” Drink: The History of Whiskey
Whiskey is more than a drink; it’s an edible art form. It's an ode to the greatest grains and more sophisticated sips made from a mix of corn, wheat, barley, or rye, distilled and aged in oak barrels.
Whiskey encompasses a tapestry of tastes, depending on its origin and composition. From bourbon to rye and Scotch to Tennessee, all sorts of varieties are ready for your enjoyment.
It’s also a spirit with a long and storied history.
The Roots of Whiskey
We can’t look at the roots of whiskey without first looking at the act of distilling, which dates back to Mesopotamia and Greece during the Bronze Age. This technique was adopted and enhanced by medieval Arabs, who then passed it on to other cultures, each adding a new technique and perpetuating its evolution. But, while distilling goes back earlier, the first mention of whiskey is more recent: 1494, born in the land of Loch Ness.
In Scotland, whiskey was initially used as a medicine, making its way up the libations ladder and eventually becoming a sought-after drink of indulgers. It faced its challenges: Heavy levies in the early 1800s found whiskey drinkers foreshadowing American Prohibition with their stealth usage and underground get-togethers.
The Excise Act of 1823 whisked whiskey out of the darkness and into the light. Grain whiskey, less intense than its malt counterpart, emerged a few years later, ultimately helping whiskey become a favored drink among people from various walks of life.
It hasn’t looked back since.
How to Drink Whiskey
There are all sorts of ways to drink whiskey, including the following:
Neat: Neat might sound like whiskey served with a wet nap, but it’s technically whiskey served at room temperature without ice. This is an effective way to taste the various notes found in each sip.
On the Rocks: Whiskey served “on the rocks” is served with ice. The ice, especially as it melts, tends to cool the whiskey off, making it a bit less intense and spicy.
With Water: While it might sound counterintuitive, adding a few drops to whiskey can enhance its natural flavors rather than thin out the taste.
How you consume whiskey doesn’t matter; drinking it at all is what counts!
The Old Fashioned
Some people prefer to drink whiskey straight; others enjoy it as part of a cocktail. This is where the old fashioned reigns supreme. An old fashioned is made by mixing sugar, bitters, and water with whiskey (most often bourbon or rye whiskey) and adding an orange peel and maraschino cherry.
According to liquor lore, the old fashioned skyrocketed in popularity during the early 1800s. Originally referred to as a whiskey cocktail, its modern moniker emerged as cocktails grew overly complex and drinkers craved old-fashioned simplicity.
When Prohibition compromised the flavor of whiskey, fruit was added to the old fashioned to compensate. It was an addition that became permanent even after Prohibition was lifted and the quality of liquor was restored.
Today, the old fashioned is among the most popular cocktails…both at the Atomic Cowboy and elsewhere. We make our own version available for purchase at our locations.
Atomic Cowboy is a cultural mashup of ideas and experiences, food and drink, late night and early mornings, north and south. We offer in-restaurant dining and delivery. Contact us today to learn more about our menu, events, and accolades.
