One of our favorite whiskey brands has teamed up with two of our favorite people — something to drink to on International Whiskey Day.
International Whiskey Day has snuck up on us once again, and this year, we’re celebrating on March 27 — and then again on World Whiskey Day on May 20 — by checking in with Big Nose Kate Western whiskey maker for a couple of special spring-y drink recipes that co-founder, head distiller, and blender Melissa Heim created just for C&I.
But first the news: World-renowned whiskey enthusiasts Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have joined forces with the brand.
“What can we say, it was love at first sip,” McCarthy and Falcone said. “Big Nose Kate drinks as bold and badass as Kate was herself.”
A blend of straight rye whiskey and American single malt, Big Nose Kate opens with notes of dry sherry, stone fruit, and cocoa then mellows with distinct malt cereal and green apple, finishing with butterscotch and candied lemon.
The brand is now available for purchase at select stores, bars, and restaurants in New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. More states will follow. For online purchases and more information, please visit bignosekatewhiskey.com and follow along on Instagram at @BigNoseKateWhiskey.
And now to those drinks! As they toast in Scotland, Slàinte Mhath! Or, as the Hungarian Kate might have said herself in the Old West, Béke Poraira (“Peace to his/her ashes”).
Slowly sip or knock one back in her honor.
Wild, Wildflower Whiskey
1½ ounce Big Nose Kate
½ ounce Orgeat
4 ounces brewed then chilled dandelion petal tea
1½ teaspoon wildflower honey
Dash of Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice, shake for 10 seconds, and strain into rocks glass over large cube.
Spades Sour
1½ ounce Big Nose Kate
1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ ounce 1:1 simple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Sweet red wine (Big Nose Kate likes the fruit profile of Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto.)
Combine all ingredients in shaker, strain over large cube, and top with the wine.
Want some more cocktail recommendations to celebrate this special day? Head over here to get some delicious recipes.
