We’re halfway through the week and I think that calls for a cocktail. My favorites range from sweet, savory, strong and sip worthy. Recently, I was approached and asked to try a new kind of cocktail. Aged spirits that blend varietals of alcohol have become all the rage. Cooper Spirits, led by Rob Cooper of St-Germain fame just released Hochstadter’s Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey. Hochstadter’s is the first rye to use the vatted designation, which was inspired by Scotch whisky’s blending tradition. The ryes in the blend range from 4 to 15 years old and were sourced from distilleries across North America— Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Alberta, Canada.

All the while, I also tried to come up with a cocktail that would pay homage to the spirit blend itself without detracting from the aged taste. The rye whiskey is well suited for mixing in classic rye cocktails like Manhattans, Sazeracs, Old-Fashioneds and Juleps, as well as for sipping straight or on ice. I love a good Old-Fashioned so with the right ingredients on hand, I found myself sipping a classy cocktail in no time. The spirit itself has a rounded flavor with tasty notes of blackstrap molasses, nutmeg, mace, clove, German-style rye bread and sour cherries. I think I’ve found myself a new favorite 5 o’clock treat.

Hochstadter’s Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey will begin its rollout in Fall 2015 and will go quickly when it does. Find yourself a bottle and get sipping. Cheers!