Raise a glass, everyone! We’re toasting Red Star Tavern in Portland, which has debuted its own Signature Single Barrel Bourbon.
Before you put it down the hatch, here’s a little background. The bourbon is a 1792 Ridgemont Reserve that’s distilled, aged and bottled at the 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Because it has higher rye content than most bourbon, the taste is full-bodied and complex. Think an initial sip of spice, layered with caramel and custard as it hits your mid-palate, and then a strong oak finish. (Hey, we said it was complex.)
Thirsty yet? Red Star serves it any way you want it – neat, on ice, with a little water, or even in a cocktail (it swims in the Red Star Signature Manhattan, along with house-made bitters and a local-brandy-soaked bing cherry). Executive chef Kyle Rourke suggests pairing a neat glass with Dungeness crab; and if you go the cocktail route, order clams.
The bourbon will be around while supplies last. Among the laidback restaurant and bar’s other liquid assets are 70-plus additional kinds of bourbon, more than 40 scotches and around 10 Irish whiskeys.
That should keep you toasting for awhile. Cheers!
Red Star Tavern and Roast House is located at 503 S.W. Alder Street in Portland (503-222-0005 or redstartavern.com).
