To celebrate the release of Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the team behind Old Forester Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey have launched the Statesman, an exclusive special selection batch of the distillery’s premium bourbon, in Australia. Not only that, but they’ve taken over Sydney institution Zeta Bar as the city’s main hub of the expression, transforming the space into a temporary American saloon where guests are able to fully explore the bourbon whiskey neat or in a range of custom-made cocktails in a space framed by wooden barrels, hardy greenery, vintage frames, and various darts and sporting trophies.
Those who have seen the film will instantly recongise the connection, in that the script revolves around a group of Kentucky-based spies – known as Statesman – who operate under the alias of distillers from the world’s oldest bourbon dating back to the pre-prohibition era.
Chris Morris, Old Forester’s master distiller, created the new expression with carefully hand-picked barrels sourced from the warmest places in the warehouse. It is these barrels that have imbued the complex bourbon with a rich, deep profile that distinguishes the Statesman, defined by the heat which causes more evaporation and a lot more flavour to be drawn from the wood. The result is said to be a bolder, richer, and more intense profile.
Those heading along to Zeta Bar during the pop-up can expect a list of four cocktails, including the Statesman Fizz, Statesman Tea Sling, Kingsman Up and Kingsman Tea Sling. Those not able to head along can also grab the expression from Dan Murphy’s for an RRP of $80 (750ml).
Old Forester Statesman Pop-Up
Where: Zeta Bar, Hilton Sydney
When: Now until 1st November; Mon-Thurs 5pm-12pm; Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-3pm.
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