It isn’t unusual to have a smokey flavor in whiskey or wine. Typically the flavor comes from the wooden barrel in the aging process or from different botanicals added into the spirit. But that isn’t the only way a smoke essence can be added to a drink.
One popular way to add smoke flavor to a drink is to infuse real smoke. The process involves burning a small piece of wood or small wooden pellets to create smoke. Different types of wood create different flavors in the drink.
Using a lighter or small torch, the wood or pellets are lit on fire and extinguished to generate smoke. A glass is set on the smoldering wood, collecting the smoke. Once enough smoke has been collected, the glass is filled with the spirit and stirred to infuse the smoke.
Eddie V’s, a steakhouse in Colorado’s Denver Tech Center, makes a smoked Old Fashioned. As a high end restaurant, the visual presentation of the smoked cocktail is a large part of the process. The rocks glass, ice cube, bourbon, smoker and garnish are presented on a wooden board. The bartender lights the wooden pellets to create smoke, and the cocktail is made in front of the customer.
The addition of smoke into the cocktail changes the drink rather dramatically. The drink becomes much smoother, bringing out more flavor. The bourbon takes on a velvety texture that is bolder than the original.
Some craft distilleries also smoke their own spirits in the tasting rooms. Storm King Distilling Co in Montrose, Colorado creates a wonderful smoked Old Fashioned. Using peach wood, the drink is sweet, smooth and has a hint of marshmallow flavor. Mixologist Nickolas Paullus uses his own cherries, steeped in vanilla and brown sugar, to garnish the drink.
Whiskey or bourbon based drinks aren’t the only ones that can benefit from the addition of real smoke.The Wine Barrel, a craft winery in Parker, Colorado, is set up to add smoke to their wine. In the same smoking process, smoke is captured in a jar, wine is added and swirled to infuse the smoke into the liquid.
At The Wine Barrel, you pick the wine you want to infuse and the type of wood pellet, such as oak, peach or pecan. In a two part process, a glass of the wine is poured, so you can enjoy the wine straight from the bottle. Then, the wine is infused with smoke and poured. In comparison to the first glass, the taste difference is remarkable. The wine becomes bolder and releases deeper flavors. The wine becomes silky and heavier.
Next time you have an Old Fashioned at a local craft distillery, check to see if they can add smoke to the cocktail. The addition of smoke to your drink is well worth trying. Smoking kits are also available for your home bar, to experience the difference with your own cocktails.
