This Speyburn Winter Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned features Speyburn 10 Year Old, layered with warm vanilla and classic bitters. It’s smooth, simple, and perfect for slow sipping when the weather cools down. Whether stirred over a single block or cubed ice, it’s built for comfort.

Tasting Notes

This version of the Old Fashioned leans into warm, mellow flavors perfect for colder nights. The Speyburn 10 Year Old brings notes of honey, toasted grain, soft oak, and a bit of green apple. The vanilla syrup rounds out the edges and adds a smooth layer of sweetness without overpowering the whisky. Angostura bitters cut through the richness with clove and spice, giving balance. The orange peel brightens everything up with just the right amount of citrus oil. It’s familiar but slightly softer and more aromatic than a traditional Old Fashioned easy to sip, especially by a fire.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer if you’re stirring over ice separately. If you’re building it straight in the glass (especially with cubed ice), you can skip the mixing glass. Have a jigger or small measuring tool on hand to keep proportions right. For the garnish, grab a peeler or small knife to cut a clean strip of orange peel. A rocks glass is ideal short, wide, and sturdy. If you have a large ice cube mold, use it for slower melting. If not, cubed ice works just fine.

Ingredients

2 oz Speyburn 10 Year Old
0.4 oz vanilla syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

Stir ingredients with ice for 15–25 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over block or cubed ice.
(If using cubed ice, you can build directly in the glass and stir.)
Garnish with an orange peel.

Pro Tips

Use clear block ice if you have it it melts slower and looks sharp
Try to express the orange peel over the glass rim for max aroma
If making your own vanilla syrup, use real vanilla bean or pure extract
Don’t over-stir it’ll get too watery and lose its structure
Pre-chill your glass for a cleaner finish
Speyburn’s fruit notes shine more when the drink is slightly chilled, not ice cold
Use a Y-peeler for a smooth, wide orange peel strip
If you’re batching for a group, stir with ice right before serving
Want a stronger orange note? Add a dash of orange bitters
Avoid over-sweetening stick to the 0.4 oz syrup

When to Serve

This Speyburn Winter Old Fashioned is a great slow-sipper for winter and late fall. Serve it at the start or end of an evening, especially in colder weather when you’re winding down. It fits well at small gatherings, dinner parties, or even just after work at home. It’s warming without being too heavy, and the orange peel gives it a clean finish. If you’re into holiday hosting, this makes a good no-fuss option especially since you can prep the ingredients in advance. It’s familiar enough for whisky lovers, but just different enough to stand out.

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