Indiana Meets Jamaica: A Funky Apple Brandy Bourbon Cocktail

Indiana Heritage Meets Caribbean Spice in The Orchard's Journey! Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 66 of our Thirsty Thursday series, we are bridging the gap between the refined rows of the Huber family orchard in Indiana and the aggressive, tropical "hogo" funk of Jamaica. Tonight, I’m showing you how to craft The Orchard’s Journey, a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that features two powerhouse pours from Starlight Distillery: their 112-proof Apple Brandy Cask Finished Bourbon and their incredible 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy. We’re adding a deep, jammy anchor with Merlet Cassis and a savory, spicy kick with 30 drops of Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters. If you love complex, dry, and wood-influenced cocktails, this "Funky Apple Sipper" is for you! Join me as we explore: * The unique cinnamon-apple bridge of Starlight’s finished bourbon. * The transformed, caramelized profile of a 12-year-old estate brandy. * How to balance intense Jamaican spices (ginger, black pepper, allspice) in a stirred drink. * A "not-tiki" tropical teaser for next week! Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more bourbon deep-dives and craft cocktail recipes! 🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below! MOFADO. Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass: https://amzn.to/4jiZ0nl Briout Bar Spoon: https://amzn.to/3PJMwaN Briout Jigger for Bartending: https://amzn.to/3DUjva3 A Bar Above Antique Copper Hawthorne Strainer: https://amzn.to/41e368x Bittercube Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/4tV9IFq ### **Connect With Us & Support The Journey!** 🥃 **Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content:** https://www.patreon.com/cw/YourBourbonJourney 🌐 **Visit Our Website:** https://yourbourbonjourney.com/ 🔔 **SUBSCRIBE HERE:** https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney?sub_confirmation=1 📸 **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/yourbourbonjourney/ 👍 **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/YourBourbonJourney 🎥VIDEO CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Episode 66 - The Orchard's Journey 0:36 - The Base: Starlight Apple Brandy Finish Bourbon 1:14 - The Heart: Starlight 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy 1:48 - The Modifier: Merlet Cassis Liqueur 3:05 - The Spice: Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters 4:10 - Stirring and Dilution Technique 4:50 - Straining and The Brightening Garnish 5:30 - Final Tasting Notes: Crisp Fruit & Funky Finish 6:45 - Next Week: The Toasted Pineapple Jalapeño Tease The Recipe: The Orchard's Journey * 2 oz Starlight Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy (112 Proof) * 0.75 oz Starlight 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy * 0.75 oz Merlet Cassis Liqueur * 30 Drops (3 Dashes) Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters * Garnish: Expressed Lemon Twist Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass. 2. Add ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted. 3. Strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass. 4. Express a fresh lemon twist over the top and drop it into the glass. 5. Cheers to the journey! 🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨 NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly. #YourBourbonJourney #StarlightDistillery #AppleBrandy #BourbonCocktails #CraftCocktails #HomeBartender #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyEnthusiast #IndianaSpirits #CocktailRecipe #MerletCassis #Bittercube #DrinkResponsibly #SpicedCocktail #Mixology