Black Eden 1912 Bourbon

Black Eden 1912 Bourbon honors Idlewild, Michigan, a historic resort and cultural gathering place for Black Americans. The producer describes a caramel-and-vanilla base with a subtle spicy edge. Try a small pour over ice or an Old Fashioned with a restrained amount of syrup. The story refers to Idlewild’s founding, not a bourbon age statement.

This listing is for the 750 ml size. At a 1-ounce cocktail measure, that volume provides approximately 25 pours before allowing for spills or a different recipe.

Start with a small neat pour, then add a few drops of water or a single ice cube to compare the two serves. Water and melting ice change the concentration of the spirit, so add them gradually. A large cube melts differently from crushed ice and gives you more time to follow the drink as it opens up. Choose the glass and serve that make the whiskey enjoyable for you.

For an Old Fashioned variation, combine 1 ounce of whiskey with 1 teaspoon of simple syrup and a dash or two of aromatic bitters. Stir with ice, then finish with an orange twist. Adjust the syrup only after tasting, particularly with a flavored expression. For a lighter highball, use chilled soda water and add it last. Measuring the ingredients makes it easier to repeat the version you like.