Bully Boy Old Fashioned

Bully Boy's Old Fashioned is a ready-to-drink version of the classic whiskey cocktail, which means the spirit, sugar and bitters are already balanced and the work is done before the bottle is opened. The details on file don't list the base spirit, ABV or flavor notes. The following describes what to expect from a bottled Old Fashioned in general, not a measured profile of this one. Expect a spirit-forward drink with a gentle sweetness, aromatic bitters, and a hint of orange or spice. It should taste like a stirred cocktail, not a sweet or fruity premix. Because it's pre-mixed, the main decision is dilution and temperature. Pour it over a large ice cube or sphere in a rocks glass, also called an Old Fashioned or double old-fashioned glass. A large cube melts slowly, so the drink stays cold without turning watery. If you prefer it served up, chill the bottle in the refrigerator beforehand and pour it into a chilled coupe or small stemmed glass with no ice. Shaking is unnecessary and clouds the drink. Serve it chilled and don't dilute it further. A fresh garnish helps most. Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface, then drop it in, and add a brandied cherry if you like. A dash or two of extra bitters is a simple way to bring back the aromatic edge that sometimes fades in bottled cocktails. For food, drinks like this usually work well with grilled or smoked meats, aged cheddar, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate, where the caramelized sweetness and bitter notes of the drink echo the richness of the food.