Whiskey Cocktail Hour: Almost Fallen

Whiskey lovers, rejoice! September is Bourbon Heritage Month. In 2007, four decades after Congress recognized bourbon as a distinct spirit, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution officially declaring September as “National Bourbon Heritage Month.” Since then, bourbon enthusiasts have come together to appreciate the craftsmanship, history, contributions and achievements made within the industry. 

For thirty days, bourbon fans celebrate the uniquely American spirit. Where others have prevailed sipping a bourbon a day during the month, I have failed in my attempts to do so. However, I still appreciate the spirit and its heritage with a bourbon forward cocktail.

For this edition of Cocktail Hour, we create a simple but decadent cocktail featuring Angel’s Envy. Angel’s Envy is on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and I recommend stopping by for a tour. Their spirit safe is in the shape of their signature bottle, and the craft of making whiskey comes first. Angel’s Envy announced this summer an $8.2 million expansion of its facility, and they welcome Owen Martin as their new Master Distiller.  

Almost Fallen (image via Courtney Kristjana/The Whiskey Wash)

Angel’s Envy is the rabble-rouser of the bourbon industry. The distillery launched in 2011 and broke from tradition with its flagship bourbon double-matured in new American oak and former ruby Port casks. Angel’s Envy continues to launch experimental finished whiskies, and for our Almost Fallen cocktail, choose your own adventure in making it with any Angel’s Envy product. 

There are two key ingredients that make this cocktail enviable— port syrup and Cuban tobacco bitters. The port syrup is from Angel’s Envy that I picked up while visiting the distillery. If you do not want to wait for it to arrive, you can make it at home. The port syrup compliments the whiskey because it is made from the same port they mature their bourbon in. The tobacco bitters on the other hand add depth, and bring in inspiration from the Bluegrass State itself. If you are worried about the tobacco bitters, do not fret— they contain NO nicotine. 

Almost Fallen is not only perfect for Bourbon Heritage Month but is a superb lead into autumn. I have been saving my rich ingredients for my favorite season. The ruby color from the port syrup mixed with the amber hue of the bourbon reminds me of the changing colors of the leaves. This cocktail just gives me another reason to cozy up.

As you can see, Angel’s Envy is a great pour to mark on your Bourbon Heritage Month Calendar if you have not already. Here’s to the farmers, the distillers, the bottlers, and everyone who gets our favorite bourbons to the shelf. Salute!  

Almost Fallen

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Angel’s Envy Bourbon
• ¾ ounce Angel’s Envy Port Syrup
• 2 dashes A Better Bitters Cuban Tobacco
• 6 drops Portland Bitters Project Pitch Dark Cacao
• Luxardo Cherry 

Tools

• Rocks Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Cocktail Pick

Steps

1. Add bourbon, syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass over a big cube. 
2. Stir until chilled.
3. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
4. Enjoy responsibly.