Age boosts old fashioned

For some reason, I always associate pirates with summer. This could be due to the couple years I lived in Seattle where they have a Seafair Pirates Week when pirates land ashore and people dress up like pirates all week long. So this leads me to associate rum with summer (since pirates love rum), and brings me back around to my favorite rum cocktail, an aged rum old fashioned.

Aged rums really blossomed a few years ago and are starting to make a place for themselves in most bars. These barrel-aged spirits are easier to drink and taste best in the simplest forms.

On the rocks is a choice for many, allowing you to note the smoothness and taste the mild hints of vanilla. Aged rums are moving away from other rums, being considered a classier sipper, and more in line with bourbon. This cocktail is best sipped after dinner so that you can enjoy everything it has to offer but could also be enjoyed with a nice dry-aged steak or a hearty salmon dish.

Zaya or Pyrat aged rums are well suited for this cocktail due to their subtle sweetness and smooth finish. The blend of bitters and orange in the drink play off the nuances of the rum. If you really want to take your drink to the next level and feel adventurous, try some of the new flavored bitters that are becoming popular. I think that cherry bitters would be a natural choice, or the peach flavored would blend in nicely.

Aged Rum Old Fashioned

2 ounces aged rum
1 orange slice
3 dashes of bitters
½ pack raw sugar

Place the orange, bitters and sugar into the bottom of a rocks glass and muddle lightly to release the essence in the orange peel and break down the sugar. Top with ice, and finish with the rum. Give it a light stir and enjoy.

The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003, or visit www.goodgrits.com.