Late last year, on a crisp weekday afternoon, I joined an esteemed trio from Castle Brand Inc. in pursuit of liquid happiness. Together, we had one mission: to uncover what the city of Brotherly Love was concocting with their signature bourbon brand, the very small-batch Jefferson’s Bourbon.
For those of you not acquainted with this imbibable blend, the presidential-inspired bourbon whiskey is unpretentious and uncomplicated, making it a versatile spirit when it comes to serving it on the rocks or blended. Amber in color, it weighs in suitably well-balanced, and hosts a pronounced caramel nose and velvety smooth finish.
Since Philadelphia’s bar scene is packed with above-average booze-slingers, each fierce in technique and concept, we hit the pavement thirsty, putting the city’s craftsmen to the test. How adaptable is Jefferson’s Bourbon? Find out below.
Stop 1: The Ranstead Room
2013 Ranstead St., Philadelphia
We set the bar high by jump-starting our cocktail exploration at this sexy, post-war-styled hideaway. On the agenda was The Great American Legion, a beautifully bold, yet simplistic “journey drink” (as in, one that gets more compelling sip after sip). Here, Jefferson’s Bourbon starring in the lead role over a generous chunk of ice, with Curaçao, bitters and an orange twist appearing as minor cameos.
Stop 2: Woolly Mammoth
430 South St., Philadelphia
Sticking to our theme of versatility, we hit South Street to change up the pace of our bar visits. Tucking into the casual, no-frills barroom, we were pleasantly surprised by their inventive take on Old Fashioned called the Founding Father. Since head bartender Megan Woody believes a good bourbon is best on the rocks, she left that the base of her cocktail and finished it simply with a handcrafted orange and black cherry-infused ice. Her master plan for the drink was to give us an incredibly smooth bourbon mouthful to start, and then, as it warmed up, slowly reveal the iconic flavors of the classic cocktail.
Stop 3: Lickety Split
401 South St., Philadelphia
Nearby, the casual South Street haunt Lickety Split decided to focus in on the bourbon’s vanilla and cinnamon spice undertones for their easy-sipping creation, identified as TJ’s Spiced Cider. As a simple mix of locally-pressed cider and Jefferson’s Bourbon, plus a squeeze of clementine, the so-delicious-it’s-dangerous drink introduced us to a no-brainer partner for this bourbon.
Stop 4: Twisted Tail
509 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia
On a roll within the city’s South Street District, we pranced over to Headhouse Square where George Reilly’s horseshoe barroom stands, one keen on brown liquors (he’s housing 50+ whiskeys). Here, our lips began to sip one of life’s best dessert cocktails (I kid you not). The Sally’s Cobbler arrived in a martini glass rimmed with an apple gastrique and coated in pie crumbs. Inside, Licor 43 Cuarenta Y Tres (Spanish citrus liqueur) was married with Jefferson Bourbon and maple bitters. It was liquefied apple pie at its finest.
Stop 5: Farmers Cabinet
1113 Walnut St., Philadelphia
Being Center City’s dreamboat for new drunken discoveries, we expected to be impressed when bellying up to the bar at this speakeasy-esque saloon. Barkeeps Philip Search and Val Boyle were on hand with the Monticello Holiday, a modern, spicy riff on the Manhattan. Booze-forward and bourbon-heavy, the clever creation packed an aromatic punch with the incorporation of cloves and was finished with their house-made signatures: bitters, herb-infused syrups and hand-carved ice.
Stop 6: Sampan
124 S. 13th St., Philadelphia
Playing off their Asian influences, this eye-catching, effervescent cocktail allowed our spirit-in-question to mingle in a much lighter crowd. Swirling Domaine De Canton (a French ginger liqueur) amongst the bourbon and fresh lemon, and finished with a ginger-sugar rim, just one sip lead us to our new favorite, warm-weather cocktail.
Stop 7: Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
112 S. 18th St., Philadelphia
This profound underground bar of Rittenhouse Square hosts the city’s premier alchemists who specialize in an ever-evolving roster of old-timey reinventions and curiosity-provoking experimentals. On this particular day, they dreamed up a beverage that sounded “presidential”—the Madison. Consider it an intensified Old-Fashioned, a perfect way to end this drinking journey, one laced with sherry, mulled wine syrup, orange, apple and sugar preserves—all thrown together with painterly precision.
Find Jefferson’s Bourbon on shelves of area-wide Fine Wine & Good Spirits. More information on Jefferson’s Bourbon is available here.
