When TV's Don Draper was ordering Old Fashioneds at many a dark-paneled watering hole, we all started to as well. Considered one of the world's most popular mixed drinks, there is a 10-day annual festival this November dedicated to this classic cocktail.
Launched in 2015, Old Fashioned Week is back for a third year from November 2 to 11, and there are a trio of Vancouver bars participating with special drinks to toast the occasion.
Photo courtesy Donnelly Group
You'll find special offerings at three Vancouver bars: Clough Club, Granville Room, and The Keefer Bar. If you're headed further afield, outside of Toronto the only other participating Canadian bar is Atlas Steak & Fish in Kamloops; the Paris-born festival counts Europe as its strongest region for participation so far.
At Clough Club and Granville Room, Donnelly's Bar Director Trevor Kallies has put together a menu of four Old Fashioneds. The popular Rye Whiskey recipe is expressed using Lot 40, while versions using Olmeca Altos Tequila, Monkey Shoulder blended Scotch, and Havana Club 7 Yr. Rum offer other spirited options. These drinks are all priced at a friendly $9 during Old Fashioned Week's run.
At The Keefer Bar their version includes Angostura aromatic bitters and Monkey Shoulder-Wild Turkey.
Started in 2015 by Michael Landart of Paris' Maria Loca bar and Cyrille Hugon of Rhum Fest Paris, Old Fashioned Week was founded on a love of the cocktail that is comprised of spirits (usually a whiskey), sugar, and bitters. For some drink aficionados, ordering an Old Fashioned is a way to test the skills of a bartender (and hopefully enjoy a beautiful, simple drink in the process).
Old Fashioned Week 2017 takes place from November 2 to 11.
