24 Mar 2023 Sip Our Old Port Bourbon at Sonder and Dram
One of the joys of distilling Maine-made spirits at Liquid Riot is seeing how others creatively use our products. It’s simple, but it really is special to us that many more people can enjoy our spirits and make memories while sipping it outside of our four walls. For instance, we recently connected with Blaine Flanders, the Operations & Development Director of Sonder and Dram and learned that our Old Port Bourbon will be used in a cocktail called The Blind Pig for their new spring drink menu. Keep reading to learn more about the inspiration behind the cocktail…
Located in the basement of the historic McGillicuddy building, Sonder & Dram pays respect to the past and looks to the future as a modern neighborhood bar in downtown Lewiston. They seamlessly combine elevated fresh New American cuisine, inventive cocktails, local beer, and everything you want in a memorable bar experience. We are grateful and honored to have both our Fernet Michaud and Old Port Bourbon sit proudly on their bar shelf.
Starting Saturday, April 1st you can order the cocktail The Blind Pig featuring our Old Port Bourbon at Sonder & Dram. The Blind Pig was inspired by using Maine-based ingredients and as an ode to ‘Piggie Smalls’, the bar’s unofficial mascot. The Sonder & Dram team works hard to source local ingredients whenever possible and strives to support local farms. As a result they felt inspired to use the Old Port Bourbon, since the cocktail itself uses all Maine-based ingredients.
“We had to take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate!” says Blaine. “Next time you stop by, you’ll see that ‘Piggie Smalls’ is engraved on a wood, pig-shaped board and sits in our entrance display case. We’ve used the hand crafted wood pig-boards since we opened in 2018, and want to continue the legacy of ‘Piggie Smalls’.”
The Blind Pig
- 2 oz Old Port Bourbon
- 0.25 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 heavy brown sugar rhubarb syrup
- egg white
- Angostura bitters on top to garnish
Add Old Port Bourbon, lemon juice, heavy brown sugar rhubarb syrup, and egg white to a shaker and dry-shake for 30 seconds without ice. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters.
When asked why Blaine personally reaches for our Old Port Bourbon she explains, “The Maine-based ingredients hands down that is what drew me to this spirit. The spiciness of the bourbon plays very well with rhubarb, as you will taste in the Blind Pig. What a beautiful balance!”
Our Old Port Bourbon is made with Maine grown organic corn, rye and buckwheat. Its aged in fresh charred White American Oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years. The end result is a complex, layered spirit showcasing the full flavors of the local ingredients. You’ll find it’s sweet on the nose with earthy undertones and hints of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
Our Old Port Bourbon is available for purchase at our retail store and at your local agency liquor store. As well as you can sip it now at Sonder and Dram. It will be featured in The Blind Pig in just over a week, however, may we suggest a 2 oz pour over rocks in the meantime? It’s a delicious handcrafted spirit perfect for enjoying on its own. Cheers!