Bourbon Smoker

[rzelinka]

My wife bought me a Breville cocktail smoker for Christmas. I've not yet given it a try. Feels a little intimidating. Anyone tried one of these?

[GaryT]

Not familiar with that brand or product.  My wife got me a Foghat (this was during COVID) which I thought was cool, but didn't work as well as I had hoped it would.  Then @tanstaafl2 shared a MUCH better way (might be in a thread on here, or could have been at some whiskey event). 

 

I now basically have a kit that consists of oak chips, small metal dish for lighting, jar w/ lid for capturing/integrating smoke - and a torch.  Post below provides step-by-step instructions.  This works well for making just one/two at the house (if I was entertaining and trying to do larger quantities, this doesn't really scale).  

 

 

[bayouredd]

Pretty much on line with what Gary says above...

 

Couple years ago, got a Tophat from one of my Sons & a fancier one from another Son on the same Christmas. 

 

The Tophat is quicker to use and good for a couple drinks only.

The fancy one; better for a several drinks at once but not really used much, here. I'm guessing it is on line with the Breville. Not hard to use but no so much worth the effort, at least to me.

If you are partying with a group, you can get some mileage out of it.

[rzelinka]

22 hours ago, bayouredd said:

Pretty much on line with what Gary says above...

 

Couple years ago, got a Tophat from one of my Sons & a fancier one from another Son on the same Christmas. 

 

The Tophat is quicker to use and good for a couple drinks only.

The fancy one; better for a several drinks at once but not really used much, here. I'm guessing it is on line with the Breville. Not hard to use but no so much worth the effort, at least to me.

If you are partying with a group, you can get some mileage out of it.

Thank you. One of these days, I am going to give it a shot.  I appreciate the response

[Kepler]

Interesting.  I've never even ordered a smoked cocktail before in a bar.  I used to see a bunch of bourbon fans ordering their Old Fashioneds smoked this way.  Just curious... what's the appeal? 

[rzelinka]

49 minutes ago, Kepler said:

Interesting.  I've never even ordered a smoked cocktail before in a bar.  I used to see a bunch of bourbon fans ordering their Old Fashioneds smoked this way.  Just curious... what's the appeal? 

It’s does add an interesting dynamic to an old fashioned 

[Kepler]

4 minutes ago, rzelinka said:

It’s does add an interesting dynamic to an old fashioned 

I should try it.  Like a peated scotch? 

[rzelinka]

Just now, Kepler said:

I should try it.  Like a peated scotch? 

Depends on the wood used to smoke the drink. In a restaurant or bar it is more about the presentation.

 

[MShoulder]

Not too much like peated scotch.  With the scotch, the smoke taste is more integrated into the whisky.  That said, I enjoy a smoked old fashioned -- a lot of it is presentation, but it adds some neat dynamics, particularly to the nose.  However, the smoke impact is usually gone before I finish the drink (another difference from peated scotch) even if I trap as much smoke as possible between sips.  I'd recommend trying it if you generally like a smoky flavor.

[rzelinka]

35 minutes ago, MShoulder said:

Not too much like peated scotch.  With the scotch, the smoke taste is more integrated into the whisky.  That said, I enjoy a smoked old fashioned -- a lot of it is presentation, but it adds some neat dynamics, particularly to the nose.  However, the smoke impact is usually gone before I finish the drink (another difference from peated scotch) even if I trap as much smoke as possible between sips.  I'd recommend trying it if you generally like a smoky flavor.

I also enjoy a smoked old fashioned. I am not a fan of scotch, primarily because I do not like the peated flavor.

[aquavite]

I'll be honest, I don't know about this. To me, this is like putting "A1 Steak Sauce" on a well grilled/charred steak. I'd much prefer to taste the original flavor of the bourbon.  I'm just getting used to various bourbon tastes at present.

 

I think I"m going to have to pass on this....

 

 

[Richnimrod]

2 hours ago, aquavite said:

I'll be honest, I don't know about this. To me, this is like putting "A1 Steak Sauce" on a well grilled/charred steak. I'd much prefer to taste the original flavor of the bourbon.  I'm just getting used to various bourbon tastes at present.

 

I think I"m going to have to pass on this....

 

 

I agree with this, aquavite.   ...Especially if you are still exploring your own preferences.   

It's sorta like the question of whether or not some sauce our condiment will actually enhance whatever one starts with... or will it merely cover up some shortcoming .   ...Or: worse; will it detract from the original dish (or dram)?

Hmmmmm....

[smokinjoe]

While I don’t smoke cocktails or Bourbons at home, I’ve ordered a few smoked cocktails at restaurants/bars.  Gives an interesting spin at times, while at other times, doesn’t do much for me.  I think the successful smoked cocktails are crafted by those bartenders who know what they’re doing.  The presentation can be cool, the results can be mixed, but I am generally positive on the idea.  

[rzelinka]

2 hours ago, smokinjoe said:

While I don’t smoke cocktails or Bourbons at home, I’ve ordered a few smoked cocktails at restaurants/bars.  Gives an interesting spin at times, while at other times, doesn’t do much for me.  I think the successful smoked cocktails are crafted by those bartenders who know what they’re doing.  The presentation can be cool, the results can be mixed, but I am generally positive on the idea.  

yes, I agree with you. The presentation is cool when it's done right. It does of course alter the taste, nose of the drink. I would not smoke a bourbon, but do enjoy a smoked old fashioned.