The Old Fashioned Gentleman's Club of Manchester

Old fashioned review #101, Mercure Hotel, Piccadilly,...

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:31:57 -0400

Old fashioned review #101, Mercure Hotel, Piccadilly, Manchester

After the celebrations and back slapping of Old Fashioned #100, this unfortunate review was almost struck out for a duck before we had begun.

Now we grant you, industry awards events are not renoun for their ability to provide refined entertainment or refreshments. And the hotels typically selected as venues for such gatherings do tend to disappoint when it comes to the stocking of basic bar requirements like Bitters and Bourbon. So last Thursday evening when the General placed his Old Fashioned order, he wasn’t expecting much in the way of a success.

As expected, the waitress returned with her glum news. “The Barman is terribly sorry Sir. He has no Bourbon. But he does have Canadian Club. Would that alternative be acceptable?”

Indeed it would! CC being a blended whisky with a high Rye content and this being an advertising event an all the General suddenly found himself coming over all Don-Drapperish and a little astounded at his unexpected good fortune.

The society is pleased to report that the drink was surprisingly bloody good and appologises for the blue illuminations in the pictogram ( apparently they go in for that sort of thing at that sort of thing )

7.5 /10 awarded.

Old fashioned review #100, Trof’s Bourbon bar, Manchester...

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:48 -0400

Old fashioned review #100, Trof’s Bourbon bar, Manchester NQ

It seemed most appropriate and fitting to the society that we revisit one of our favourite bars and one of our most trusted barman to mark the century milestone of reviews.

And so last Thursday evening the General found himself once more dispatched on a mission of vital importance, and before long he was a stumbling up the dancers at Trof on Manchester’s Thomas Street, towards the Bourbon Bar in search of Mr Noel and a fine Old Fashioned with which to wet his whiskers.

Here is that anniversary drink.

A marvellously mixed old fashioned cocktail employing the smokey and smooth flavours of an Elijah Craig 12 yr Bourbon. THWACK! Wowzer! 9 /10 awarded.

We were first introduced to this powerful concoction in Review #91 at Australasia and boy does it still hit the mark.

With a ripple of applause tumbling from the pavillion, the Society raises its glass and tips its hat to Mr Noel and indeed all the barmen and bar ladies who have provided us with such wonderful and handsome lubrication since our establishment.

Naturally, we look forward to the next 100 drinks and providing you our gentlemen members with a balanced and reliable Old Fashioned critique.

Hip! Hip!

Members, followers, mixologists and of course Gentlemen are...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:14:46 -0400

Members, followers, mixologists and of course Gentlemen are cordially invited to The Old Fashioned Society of Manchester’s annual Harry S. Truman birthday celebration.

On this Sunday The Society would like to highlight to members...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 07:41:00 -0400

On this Sunday The Society would like to highlight to members that even though the warmer weather appears to be on the horizon this is not the time to abandon our beloved Old Fashioned cocktails in favour of something more fruity. In fact members should take a leaf from The Brigadier’s book as he enjoys a smoky Old Fashioned courtesy of The Alchemist.

A celebration of a lovingly crafted cherrywood Old Fashioned...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:34:00 -0400

The finished Old Fashioned Stand

A celebration of a lovingly crafted cherrywood Old Fashioned Stand.

The Brigadier would like to make members of the Society aware that he has received a find handcrafted gift from General ‘Grabber’ Gaffey, which will aid in the consumption of many an Old Fashioned.

Made from 15-year aged cherrywood, the Old Fashioned Stand is finished with the aid of French polishing. Members of the Society will be pleased to hear that no actual French people were consulted in the polishing of this fine piece of furniture.

General ‘Grabber’ Gaffey has made the Brigadier aware that any alcohol spillage on the Old Fashioned Stand must be cleaned up with a simple damp cloth and to use the General’s words… ‘Not fucking Mr Sheen’.

The Brigadier… impressed with this stand would like to nominate General ‘Grabber’ Gaffey as The Society’s official manufacturer of fine bespoke furniture for the Gentleman drinker.

All those in favour of this motion please tweet @OldFashionedSoc

The Brigadier will post further updates of the stand in action so members may be put further in awe of this fine work of woodcraft. The electronic pictographs at the top of this page show the making of The Old Fashioned Stand as well as the finished piece.

selfmadeheroes: An excellent way to say good night...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:24:26 -0400

selfmadeheroes:

An excellent way to say good night @OldFashionedSoc #OldFashioned

Indeed it is Sir, we trust you will be in attendance for the May 10th Old Fashioned Society evening?

Hahahheheh brilliant ! Simply the Best Website !! All the best guys hope see you soon somewhere Many thanks DAVID W. ;-)

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:16:38 -0400

Many thanks David, if you give us a locale of your favourite establishment we will be happy to attend and review.

We love this advert for Gentleman Jack and wholeheartedly...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:50:00 -0400

We love this advert for Gentleman Jack and wholeheartedly advocate a secret society! The Old Fashioned Society encourages all members to visit: http://www.whatistheorder.com/

Old fashioned Review #99, Soho House, Greek Street, London...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:38:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #99, Soho House, Greek Street, London W1

Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to a proper Old Fashioned.

Mixed for the General this very evening from Woodford Reserve Bourbon at the Soho House bar, and served with grace by the vivacious Rosanna.

Old fashioned Review #98, Bar at the Raddisson Edwardian (The...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:40:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #98, Bar at the Raddisson Edwardian (The Grafton) Hotel, Tottenham Court Road, London

Post Citric disaster, the General and companion were now in desperate need of a decent drink.

Being an Englishman and wishing to avoid any kind of unwelcome scene The General reports he did the gentlemanly thing in waiting for the purpatraitor to be otherwise engaged with another customer and had a quiet word with the alternative Barman.

This stout fellow understood immediately what measures were required and set to work on this rather reasonable Makers Mark Old Fashioned.

It looked the part and tasted the part and was consequently dispatched without hesitation.

Balance restored.

An enormous improvement on the questionable effort of his colleague. A satisfactory 7/10 is bestowed.

Sometimes a change of barman rather than bar is all that is required.

How to make a bacon infused Old Fashioned

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:45:12 -0400

How to make a bacon infused Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned Review #97, Thomas, Northern Quarter,...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:43:59 -0400

Old Fashioned Review #97, Thomas, Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Since representatives of the Society last visited this establishment wireless telegraphy, the motor car, coeducation, bridge whist and pianolas have all been invented and yet amongst all this modern social metamorphosis it is a great relief to report to the Gentlemen membership that, amongst all this modern social metamorphosis, some things remain reliably unchanged.

The General still finds the cherry an unnecessary adornment and he still finds it to be too liberally iced, but at least the Old Fashioned at Thomas is dependably consistent in these things.

It is still a good solid drink that is still entitled to a very creditable score of 7.5 from 10.

Old fashioned Review #96, Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, NQ,...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:43:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #96, Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, NQ, Manchester

Gentlemen Members of the Society visited the celebrated Manchester Mexicali Restaurant Bar on Thursday last and report their fingerlicking tonguetingling Nachos Tacos and Burittos were nicely set up by a refreshingly iced Old Fashioned.

Although premixed, the drinks were surprisingly enjoyable and their pleasing presentation in dual medicinal stoppered glass flasks certainly accelerated the rejuvenation of four impatient and thirsty gentlemen.

7.5/10 awarded

Old fashioned Review #95, Dusk Till Pawn, Manchester The Pawn...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:41:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #95, Dusk Till Pawn, Manchester

The Pawn shop on Manchester’s Stephenson Square, received a second reconnaissance visit this weekend after the initial report by General Gaffey aroused the curiosity of Brigadier Gratton, Sir Jon Fender-Humphreys, Commander Compton and Colonel P. Trumpet Lilley.

Barman Mr John rolled up his sleeves and mixed for the Gentlemen an array of Old Fashioned cocktails to sample:

A smashing Marmalade and Ginger Old Fashioned employing Makers Mark Bourbon ; A bifter of a Black cherry old fashioned with chocolate bitters; A fine Fig infused old fashioned ; And a sterling Straight up Wild Turkey old Fashioned.

The concensus amongst the assembled sippers was though the variations were each delicious and enjoyable in their own way, the untampered old fashioned Old Fashioned was the superior drink.

Fashions come and go but it would appear you can’t really beat a classic.

Scores as follows:

M&GOF - 7.5/10

BCOF - 6.5/10 (too sweet)

FOF - 7/10

WTOF - 8/10

Old fashioned Review #94, Dusk Till Pawn, Manchester Dusk Till...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:49:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #94, Dusk Till Pawn, Manchester

Dusk Till Pawn, a former fortune teller’s den now converted to a speakeasy cocktail bar and concealed behind the facade of a Pawn shop is situated on Stephenson Square, in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The General made a swift reconnaissance after business was concluded last Friday evening and found the lighting, ambience, vintage style and array of quality bourbons much to his taste. As were the ‘free-play musical jukebox’ which played many popular Old Fashioned tunes and the friendly Barmen.

Mr John mixed for the General this remarkable Marmalade and Ginger Old Fashioned using Makers Mark Bourbon, Fee Brother’s Whiskey Bitters and a dash of Orange Bitters, served with a single ice ball.

The General notes that whilst he applauds the innovation and experimentation of the beverage, he found the drink to be slightly heavy on the bitters and a little too sweet for his palate. But this can easily be remedied, and he intends to frequent this establishment again. 7.5 / 10 awarded.

A most splendid boxed gift of Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:47:00 -0400

A most splendid boxed gift of Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye [Bottle no. A0355] was gratefully received this month by the General for services to her ladyship, Natalie Duchess of Feltshire.

The bottle remains unopened, as it has done this past 13 years.

It currently lies in state at the club, where it can be inspected by all Old Fashioned society members by prior arrangement with a written letter to the senior curator.

According to the Old Rip Van Winkle company of Frankfort, Kentucky, the ‘Family Reserve Rye’ is certified as 95.6 Proof. Rated 95 by the Beverage Tasting Institute, they promise the maturity this untypical 13 year has achieved while ageing is quite obvious from the first sip with flavours including cocoa, vanilla, spice, and white pepper.

And they claim a gentleman will never look at a younger version again.

Thank goodness they don’t make ladies.

The Old Fashioned Society does doth thy collective caps in...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:12:56 -0400

The Old Fashioned Society does doth thy collective caps in appreciation of Mr Darren at The Ivy and his Old Fashioned Making skills.

Old fashioned Review #93, The Ivy, Covent Garden, London Mr...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:11:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #93, The Ivy, Covent Garden, London

Mr Darren, the barman at The Ivy having now earned his stripes with The General, proceeded to deliver a second delicious Old Fashioned.

As he went about his business he entertained and impressed with stories of creating Bacon infused Bourbon and mixing with maple syrup.

His next cocktail was a more straightforward affair using ‘Makers Mark’ and mineral water. But substituting Peach Schnapps for sugar it was found to be a little too sweet and a little too fancy pants for this particular Gentleman.

Still, a very fine drink, very well made. 8/10 awarded.

Old fashioned Review #92, The Ivy, Covent Garden, London General...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:09:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #92, The Ivy, Covent Garden, London

General Gaffey received a kindly invitation from Lord Brocklehurst to join his party for diner at The Ivy recently.

It was the General’s first visit to this noble establishment and he doth report he bloody loved it.

The atmosphere was delightful, the conversation congenial, the staff were courteous and the food superb. But to the business of the evening- the bar.

Having discussed the matter of an Old Fashioned with the barman, The General sat back and waited patiently for Mr Darren’s interpretation of the classic cocktail ~ captured in this here electronic pictograph.

BANG! And what he drink he delivered. The General is rarely caught with his britches down, but he was unprepared for this marvellous feather-ruffling beverage!

The Sezerac is a New Orleans variation on an Old Fashioned cognac or Rye whiskey Cocktail. This version used Peychuad’s Bitters, sugar and Absinthe to coat the glass.

Sezerac is also a brand of Rye Whiskey produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. At least that’s what the General remembers of the conversation. It’s all a bit muddled as the splendid evening was rather hazy after finishing the drink. And his scribbled bar notes simply read “more research required”.

A very strong but enjoyable drink. 9/10 scored.

Old fashioned Review #91, Australasia, Manchester In urgent...

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:30:00 -0400

Old fashioned Review #91, Australasia, Manchester

In urgent search of something dryer, The General discussed the matter with Mr Lloyd the informed Australasia barman and a recommendation to try Elijah Craig 12 year old was enthusiastically accepted.
Like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig is also produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery company of Bardstown, Kentucky and is a damn fine Bourbon. With a smokey, honey, spicey, roasted flavour its possibly one of the best a gentleman may the good fortune to stumble over.

The smack of Mr Lloyd’s Elijah Craig Old Fashioned was a home run. 9/10 bestowed.

Members of the society may be interested to learn that the Reverend Elijah Craig was a Baptist Preacher, born in Virginia 1738. Around 1789, the Reverend Craig founded a distillery in Kentucky and The Heaven Hill company rather dubiously credits him as the pioneer of barrel aging corn liquor in charred oak casks.