Rethink Rye: The Smoked “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail

Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 38: The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail

Unleash a new level of whiskey enjoyment with The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail! 🥃✨

In this exclusive video, we craft a truly unforgettable drink featuring the highly sought-after Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel. Known for its nuanced character, this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the perfect foundation for our innovative cherry wood smoked cocktail.

The “Cherry Hearth” marries the robust spirit of the rye with the sweet, deep notes of premium cherry liqueur, a touch of honey for balance, and lovely Cherry bitters. But the real magic happens with a kiss of cherry wood smoke, infusing every sip with an alluring, earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the whiskey’s profile.

Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or looking to elevate your home bar game, this smoked cocktail recipe is a must-try. We’ll guide you through each step, from stirring the perfect blend to achieving that captivating cherry smoke infusion with your cocktail smoker.

The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail Ingredients:

  • Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel
  • High-Quality Cherry Liqueur (Luxardo Maraschino)
  • Honey Simple Syrup
  • Cherry Bitters
  • Cherry Wood Chips for your smoker

Why you’ll love it:

  • Showcases the incredible Castle & Key Restoration Rye
  • Unique and sophisticated smoked whiskey cocktail
  • Perfect balance of rye, sweet cherry, and aromatic smoke
  • An impressive drink for any occasion or a relaxing evening

Don’t miss out on this incredible recipe! Click Play Now ➡️

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Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

#SmokedCocktail #CastleAndKey #RestorationRye #WhiskeyCocktail #CraftCocktails #HomeBar #Mixology #CocktailRecipe #CherrySmoke #WhiskeyLover #Drinkstagram #CocktailSmoker #BourbonAlternative #KentuckyRye #SingleBarrel #Luxardo #HoneyCocktail #RyeWhiskey #CherryBitters 

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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.

Bourbon & Whiskey News: September 2025

10/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from September 2025 >> 43 Stories!

In September 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including 43 stories on market news, distillery highlights, and bottle releases. Key events included new distillery openings, prestigious awards, and notable bottle launches, such as the 2025 Pappy Van Winkle collection and innovative releases from various distilleries across Kentucky.

09/11: Global Bourbon Market Size, Share, Forecasts 2023 – 2033

09/15: World whisky: from global gloom to local boom

09/03: Nashville Barrel Co plans Kentucky distillery

09/05: Heaven Hill Commemorates Opening of New Distillery

09/08: This 29-Acre Farm Distillery Is Embracing the Terroir of Montgomery County

09/11: Inside the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

09/15: Uncle Nearest Whiskey Under Federal Receivership

09/23: Kentucky distillery bounces back from massive flood that briefly halted bourbon production

09/25: Diageo pauses production at two US distilleries

09/25: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Dark Arts Whiskey House As Newest Member

09/29: Buffalo Trace Distillery fills its 9 millionth barrel since Prohibition

09/03: KDA Adds Purple Toad Winery & Distillery as Craft Member

09/10: Von Payne Spirits to Transform Historic Louisville Bakery into Distillery and Tasting Destination

09/24: 7 Bourbon Trail Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes, According To A Bourbon Butler

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

09/05: America’s Best Bourbon, According To The 2025 IWSC

09/05: Starlight Distillery wins award at Heartland Whiskey Competition

09/12: American Bourbon Back on Top: Four Bourbons Win Highest Gold at IWSC 2025

09/17: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Inducts 2025 Class

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

09/25: Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival returns with record 23 distilleries

09/01: Log Still Distillery Launches Remington Reserve

09/02: Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

09/02: Rabbit Hole Regallier Showcases French Oak Finish

09/02: Heaven Hill Returns To Bardstown With Master Distillers Unity Bourbon

09/03: Barrel Global Partners with Award-Winning Middle West Spirits To Offer Old Elk Wheated Bourbon New-Fill Single Barrels

09/03: Jackson Purchase Bourbon ‘Batch No. 1’ to Debut at KY Bourbon Festival

09/03: Milam & Greene Launches Provisions Bourbon

09/03: The Ingram Distillery Ventures into the Unknown with New Wheated Bourbon: Uncharted

09/05: Angel’s Envy Just Unveiled a Pair of Unusual Limited-Edition Whiskeys

09/09: Woodford Reserve 2025 Master’s Collection Revealed

09/09: 2XO Whiskey Launches White Oak Rye, Renowned Blender Dixon Dedman’s First Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Release

09/09: Beam Releases Booker’s The Reserves 2025 Edition

09/11: Garrison Brothers to Releases Sonora Bourbon in October

09/11: Pappy Van Winkle 2025 Bourbon Collection Has Launched

09/11: 2XO Debuts White Oak Rye Whiskey With 95% Rye Mash

09/16: Elijah Craig Launches Its First Ever Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

09/17: This new Milam & Greene bourbon is a collector’s dream

09/17: Sagamore releases its oldest rye whiskey

09/17: Southern Distilling Releases its First Single Malt

09/18: 1792 Bourbon Welcomes Cognac Cask Finish To Its Portfolio

09/23: Wild Turkey Announces Master’s Keep Beacon, the Final Release in the Celebrated Series

09/24: Dierks Bentley Releases ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon

09/24: Booker’s Bourbon Releases Jerry’s Batch to Honor Non-Family Master Distiller

09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum