The Marriott and Hilton hotels face off with new versions of the classic cocktail, with varying degrees of theatre…
Despite – or perhaps because of – its simplicity, the Old Fashioned remains one of the world’s favourite cocktails. And two Park Lane hotels are tapping into that popularity this winter.
The JW Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar at JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel have gone all out with a new table service – think Dukes martini trolley with extra bells and whistles. The Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Trolley is a clever piece of design, incorporating a small cask for barrel-aged Old-Fashioned and a compartment with a smoker shaped like the famous water tower at Buffalo Trace’s Kentucky distillery.
As simple as this cocktail is, the joy is in the subtle changes that can be made to the basic whisky, sugar and bitters recipe. The bitters and syrup here have been made to bespoke recipes. And, as well as the opportunity to choose between smooth, smoked or age versions, the guest can select their bourbon. Buffalo Trace may be the title sponsor, but there are spots on the trolley for other Sazerac whiskeys, too – Eagle Rare, George T Stagg, WL Weller, Van Winkle, etc.
There are some lovely details to the trolley and to the experience – the wooden inlay is designed to match the JW floor, and the glasses have been selected with a ridged interior that makes a pleasing (but understated) ringing sound as the bartender stirs your drink.
Meanwhile, the 10° Sky Bar on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane is relying on the views over the city to bring the drama to its Old Fashioned offering. Or rather, its New Fashion cocktail, introduced to the menu in the run-up to Christmas. It is made with Single Malt Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5, from The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, mixed with Tio Pepe Fino sherry, Martell VSOP, Angostura bitters and salted caramel.
