If ya’ll didn’t know — September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, which is something to celebrate! But if that weren’t enough, this year is the 10th year anniversary of when the U.S. Senate approved the month in honor of America’s native spirit!

So, make it a double.

This year, I am celebrating with I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — which is a perfect blend for your favorite classic bourbon cocktails. The whiskey won its first gold medal in 1885 and continued to gain popularity across the country and around the world throughout the twentieth century. By the mid 1990’s, the I.W. Harper brand shifted its focus to the Asian market and halted distribution in the United States.

BUT — nearly 20 years later, the I.W. Harper brand is returning to the U.S. with two new Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys.

This was the perfect bourbon for a little riff I did on the classic Boulevardier. Try it for yourself and enjoy #NationalBourbonHeritageMonth!

Ritual’s Harper Boulevardier

1.5 oz I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
.5 oz Blackberry Simple Syrup
3-5 dashes Bitters Lab Fig and Walnut Bitters

Stir over ice, pour into a chilled coupe, and garnish with Luxardo cherry and orange peel.

I really love this take on a classic, with the addition of some more berry notes. You end up with just a touch of sweet, which really adds to the bitter of the Campari and the creamy bursts of wood and spice from the I.W. Harper Bourbon.

Cheers!