Lexington, Kentucky

If you are planning a tasty night out with a mixologist concoction before and/or after, you could do worse than Table Three Ten in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for its big blackboard that list their specials in the center of the venue opposite of the bar, we came for one thing - Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the holy grail of bourbons.
They were out, but that is not new if you are scouting out Pappy. I grabbed an Eagle Rare Manhattan instead. Our bartender was a strict mixologist who was as serious as a heart attack. He did not bother with conversation while he was at his work, which was constant. I think he said three words to us in our first round- ‘Yes’ when I ordered, and ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’ when he sat down our cocktails. Solemn bar atmosphere for sure, but well-crafted drinks was what we came for anyway. Before we left, I ordered this:

Drink: Kentucky Pain-Killer

Establishment: Table Three Ten

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

First Connoisseur: Holly

1 ½ ounces Rittenhouse bonded rye

1 ounce Booker’s bourbon

½ ounce Tempus Fugit crème de cacao

½ ounce Dolin Rouge

½ ounce Kopke Ruby Port Wine

Dash Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters

Stir it. Strain it. Garnish it smartly with an orange twist. You can use cheaper versions of these spirits, we won’t tell the 310 bartender...