Benton’s Old-Fashioned

Prepare the bacon-washed bourbon ahead of time: gently melt 1.5 oz bacon fat over low heat.

Stir the melted fat into 750 ml bourbon in a nonreactive container and infuse for four hours.

Freeze for two hours, remove the solid fat, and fine-strain through cheesecloth before use.

Combine the bacon fat-infused bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura aromatic bitters in a mixing glass.

Add ice and stir until well chilled.

Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass over ice, ideally using a large cube.

Garnish with an orange peel to finish.