Between the BLiS barrel-aged maple syrup and the cherrywood-smoked barley in the single-malt whiskey, you can practically taste the timber in this variation on an Old Fashioned. Even on its own, Gray Skies’ premier whiskey is a neat sipper — unanticipated notes of chocolate supplement the smoked Peanut Butter Toast Malt from Michigan’s own Pilot Malt House. That’s why this craft cocktail from Grand Rapids’ newest distillery keeps it simple, putting its spirit in the spotlight.
Recipe:
2.5 oz. Gray Skies Single Malt Whiskey
1/3 oz. BLiS Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
4-5 dashes barrel aged bitters
1 twist lemon, 1 cherry, for garnish
Stir whiskey, maple syrup and bitters with ice, then strain into a chilled rocks glass with one large cocktail cube. Garnish with a lemon twist and a (preferably Traverse City) cherry.
Gray Skies Distillery is located at 700 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids. grayskiesdistillery.com, (616) 893-3305
HOURS: Tuesday—Thursday: 4—11 p.m. , Friday—Saturday : 4 p.m.—1 a.m.
