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Started by a bartender, Standard Proof Whiskey Co. began as a treat for bar regulars and industry colleagues. In fact, the company’s slogan, “Born behind the bar,” speaks to its beginnings. Today, Standard Proof boasts a complete line of infused whiskeys and an impressive tasting room in Nashville’s bustling downtown. We spoke to Robert Longhurst, Standard Proof’s Creative Director, to learn more about their unique approach to the infusion process and their tasting room offerings. Plus, we’re sharing three of their delicious seasonal cocktail recipes!
The first thing to note is that Standard Proof whiskeys aren’t ‘flavored’ — they’re infused. And only with the highest-quality ingredients. “Everything is inspired by bartender techniques and traditions while using real ingredients and quality whiskey,” says Robert. “This also speaks to the versatility of our products. They can be used in cocktails, by themselves, or as a shot.”
One gleaming example of Standard Proof’s process is their Pecan Rye, which has quickly become a crowd favorite. Infused through a 16+ week soaking process that incorporates pecans from San Saba, Texas — the world capital of pecans — this infusion is whiskey-forward with subtle pecan notes and lacks the syrupy sweetness often associated with other ‘flavored’ whiskey lines. It’s an excellent introduction to the whiskey world for folks who might not normally enjoy whiskey.
In addition to their wildly popular Pecan Rye, Standard Proof’s infusion line includes four additional whiskeys: Ginger Rye, Wildflower Rye, Golden Rye, and Emerald Rye. They also offer straight rye (one of Robert’s personal favorites), which is not infused; instead, it is a delicious blend of Tennessee-distilled rye whiskey.
Standard Proof’s unique infusion process is what makes their liquor stand out. In addition to using real ingredients, they are one of the only infused whiskey companies that keep their liquor at a full 80 proof. “We use real ingredients. There’s no caramel color added, and we use a straight rye whiskey as a base — that’s a whiskey that’s aged a minimum of two years,” explains Robert. “It’s not a neutral grain spirit with a little bit of whiskey added — it’s 100% whiskey.”
If you’re looking for even more whiskey options, be sure to stop by Standard Proof’s tasting room. Robert says the bartenders are constantly blending whiskeys and trying different infusions, so they always have a rotation of unique cocktails and new whiskeys to try. Right now, when you visit the tasting room, you can find Standard Proof’s first release of Pumpkin Spiced Whiskey. Infused with clove, ginger, and nutmeg, it’s a spiced whiskey perfect for the holiday season.
The fun doesn’t stop there. The tasting room also offers live music every Wednesday at 7 p.m., cocktail classes, bottle service, and happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Plus, on the first Saturday of every month, Rep. John Lewis Way North (which is located near the tasting room) shuts down to host the “First Saturday Art Crawl,” so stop by Standard Proof for a drink after perusing the neighboring art galleries.
Now that you’re familiar with Standard Proof’s history and infusion process, here are three delicious cocktail recipes that use Standard Proof Whiskey as a base. Each one is a unique take on a classic cocktail and offers a perfect beverage to help you capture the holiday spirit. Try creating them at home, or visit the Standard Proof tasting room!
Pecan Old Fashioned
This unique take on an Old Fashioned uses Standard Proof’s Pecan Rye as a base, which, again, is a great option for those new to the whiskey world or who may not typically enjoy it. “[The Pecan Rye] is definitely still whiskey forward,” Robert explains. “The pecan is more subtle on the back as opposed to being a more syrupy, thick flavor. It’s great for someone who might not normally like whiskey or who wants to get into whiskey.” The cocktail also includes simple syrup, angostura bitters, and an orange slice for garnish.
Pecan Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Standard Proof Pecan Rye
- ¼ oz. simple syrup
- 3-4 dashes of angostura bitters
- Orange for garnish
Instructions
- Add ingredients to mixing glass with ice and stir.
- Strain into glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with orange.
Nutrition
Smashing Pumpkin
The Smashing Pumpkin uses Standard Proof’s iconic Pumpkin Spiced Whiskey, which came about through some experimentation last holiday season. “We were messing around with different infusions, and everyone had the idea of making a pumpkin spiced whiskey just to see,” says Robert. “We thought it would be a tongue-in-cheek thing — it could be good or it could be bad — and it turned out fantastic.” In addition to the Pumpkin Spiced Whiskey, the cocktail includes cinnamon syrup, spiced agave syrup, and lemon juice.
Smashing Pumpkin
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Standard Proof Pumpkin Spiced Whiskey
- ½ oz. spiced agave syrup
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- Dehydrated lemon wheel for garnish
- Cinnamon sprinkle for garnish
Spiced Agave
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- ½ oz. boiling water
- 27 oz. agave
Instructions
Spiced Agave Syrup
- Stir water and agave together.
- Let jalapeños sit until desired spice (depends on the jalapeño) and strain.
Smashing Pumpkin
- Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
- Add dehydrated lemon wheel and cinnamon sprinkle for garnish.
- Stir ingredients together.
Nutrition
Ryde About Town
While this cocktail is not available at the Standard Proof tasting room, you can still whip it up at home. A variation of a classic boulevardier, Ryde About Town is equal parts Standard Proof Straight Rye, Cynar, and Italian vermouth. To finish it off, simply add a few dashes of black walnut bitters.
Ryde About Town
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Standard Proof Straight Rye
- 1 oz. Cynar
- 1 oz. Italian vermouth
- 2-3 dashes of black walnut bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Add ingredients to mixing glass with ice and stir.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Nutrition
Standard Proof Whiskey Co.’s tasting room is located at 219 5th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37219. To learn more (and purchase their whiskey!), visit standardproofwhiskey.com.
This article is sponsored by Standard Proof Whiskey Co. All photography by Leila Grossman.
