Bourbon Season is Here: 3 Unexpected Bourbons to Try and a Delicious Fall Recipe

Autumn is the start of bourbon season when the crisp air blows through Rockaway Beach. 

Whether you like your bourbon served neat, on the rocks, or in a delicious cocktail – Vino by the Sea can help find your perfect bourbon pairing. 

While many bourbon enthusiasts usually stick to their favorites, why not explore beyond your ole reliable this fall? You might just find your new favorite! 

In this blog, you will discover three unique bourbons ideal for the season along with fantastic food pairings and a delicious bourbon recipe to try.

Fort Hamilton Double Barrel Bourbon will make you fall in love. Aged in both charred American oak and toasted barrels, this bourbon embodies the rich, smoky warmth of a fall bonfire. Its smooth complexity will have you craving its warmth in every sip on cooler days. 

Fort Hamilton offers a rich flavor profile with deep notes of caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and hints of baking spices. You’ll experience a silky smooth texture on the palate with dark fruit flavors, cinnamon, and a subtle spiciness from its high-rye mash bill.

The double-barrel aging process gives additional layers of warmth and depth, making the perfect pour for crisp autumn evenings. Its combination of spice and sweetness complements the comforting flavors of the season, like caramel apples and spiced cider.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Appetizer: Smoked sausages with fall vegetables
• Dinner: Roasted pork tenderloin with apple chutney
• Dessert: Caramel pecan pie

Learn more about the Fort Hamilton Double Barrel Bourbon and where to get it.

Hillrock Estate Solera Aged Bourbon is a rare gem in the bourbon world. It offers a luxurious and layered experience to make any Autumn evening feel special. This whiskey gives an unparalleled depth of flavor since it is made using the Solera aging process, which combines both older and younger bourbons. 

Hillrock Estate presents rich and complex notes of dried fruits, toffee, and toasted vanilla. The palate reveals layers of brown sugar, ripe apple, nutmeg, and a touch of dark chocolate with a smooth finish.

Its fruity character and warm spice make it a sensational seasonal sip. The intertwining of aged bourbon with newer, fresher whiskey gives a velvety taste that pairs perfectly with chilly autumn nights by the fire.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Appetizer: Vegetable soup
• Dinner: Braised short ribs with a red wine reduction
• Dessert: Spiced apple cake with caramel drizzle

Learn more about the Hillrock Estate Solera Aged Bourbon and where to get it.

Town Branch Bourbon is known for its approachable yet flavorful profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon for any occasion. Its sweet and gentle warmth is a beautiful match for a mild fall day.

Imagine the aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel, and honey on the tip of your tongue. On the palate, Town Branch embodies flavors of toffee and light oak with a hint of dried fruit. Expect a subtle kick of cinnamon and nutmeg and a smooth and satisfying finish. 

The smooth, sweet character of Town Branch brings comfort and compliments, as well as fall’s sweet treats and cozy fireside moments. Its mellow flavor profile allows for versatility in pairings, from lighter appetizers to decadent desserts.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Appetizer: Aged gouda or brie with a jam
• Dinner: Roast chicken with sage and butter
• Dessert: Pumpkin pie with whipped cream

These three bourbons each bring something unique to the fall season – from the bold, spiced character of Fort Hamilton to the rich complexity of Hillrock Estate and the smooth, sweet finish of Town Branch.

Whether you’re sipping them neatly by a fire or pairing them with a seasonal feast, each one enhances the flavors of autumn in its unique way. 

Learn more about the Town Branch Bourbon and where to get it.

Now that you’ve been introduced to some unexpected bourbons, here’s a delicious cocktail that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of fall: the Maple Bourbon Smash.

This cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, making it a cozy choice for cool evenings.

• 2 oz of the Bourbon of Fort Hamilton Double Barrel Bourbon
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
•  ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 14-5 fresh mint leaves
• A cinnamon stick or dash of cinnamon powder
• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish
• Add ice to be served cold and if you prefer it hot, then add four cups of warm water, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 black tea bag 

For a cold bourbon beverage:

1. Muddle the Mint: In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and maple syrup. Gently muddle the mint to release its oils without tearing the leaves.
2. Add the Bourbon and Lemon Juice: Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice, covering the liquid.
3. Shake: Shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.

For a warm bourbon beverage:

1. Heat Up the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, heat water, maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon until it reaches just below boiling (about 208°F).
2. Add the Tea Bags: Turn off the heat and add the tea bags, allowing them to steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain immediately, discarding the seasonings and tea bags.
3. Measure Out the Bourbon: In a mug, measure 2 oz of bourbon and ¼ of lemon juice. 

The Maple Bourbon Smash is a flavorful cocktail that captures the essence of fall, perfect for cozy nights by the fire or cheers with friends. The sweet maple syrup pairs wonderfully with the rich bourbon.

Spicy Nuts: Spiced or maple-glazed nuts bring out the cocktail’s flavors while adding a crunchy texture and a touch of heat.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy, slightly sweet soup complements the maple notes in the cocktail, creating a harmonious pairing perfect for fall evenings.

Spiced Grilled Sausages: Juicy sausages seasoned with spices, such as apple or maple sausage, create a perfect balance with the cocktail, adding a savory element that contrasts nicely with the drink’s sweetness.

Apple Crisp: The warm spices and sweet apples in an apple crisp complement the cocktail’s maple flavor, creating a cozy dessert pairing.

Maple Bacon Waffles: For a brunch twist, pairing your Maple Bourbon Smash with maple bacon waffles creates a delicious synergy that highlights the drink’s flavors.

Stuffed French Toast: A delicious stuffed French toast drizzled with syrup and topped with fresh fruit pairs beautifully with the drink, making for a delightful brunch experience.

As the cool nights of fall settle in and the leaves change, it’s the perfect time to embrace bourbon season. 

With its versatility and depth of flavor, bourbon offers countless opportunities to explore new taste experiences. Whether you’re sipping on a classic pour or trying a new cocktail recipe like the Maple Bourbon Smash, there’s a new, unique bourbon waiting to blow your mind.

Start this fall with a new bourbon – you never know you might discover a new favorite that makes this bourbon season even more memorable. 

Choose from a selection of new, unique bourbons at vinobythesea.com – visit us in-store to get help from one of our bourbon experts or online with free local delivery available for orders over $25. 

Cheers to a new season and the warmth of good bourbon sip!