Signature Spirit

This American bourbon was doing craft cocktails long before they were cool

Try an Old Forester Manhattan at your next get-together.

Photo courtesy of Old Forester

Craft cocktails are wildly popular these days, and there are quite a few bourbon aficionados out there who will tell you all about the “best” bourbon on the market — and the best way to drink it.

But none is quite like Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It not only helped usher in the first bourbon boom, but also has stood the test of time to take center stage in America’s current obsession with the spirit.

Old Forester has led the industry through the 20th and 21st centuries. A rich history — it is the only bourbon still available today to be distilled by its maker before, during, and after Prohibition — makes it all the more appealing to connoisseurs who appreciate the workmanship that goes into making every bottle.

Each Old Forester style is crafted in barrels that have been made exclusively for the bourbon brand. At the Brown-Forman Cooperage, coopers make barrels by hand, and the care that goes into each barrel helps create a consistency that Old Forester drinkers have come to know and love. The Brown-Forman Cooperage is the only cooperage making new barrels that is owned by a major whiskey distiller, and coopers take their job very seriously.

When you enjoy Classic Old Forester 86 Proof, you taste the difference. The bourbon has a sweet scent, with hints of tobacco leaf, vanilla, mint, and a touch of oak. On the tongue, it’s sharp at first and softens quickly, delighting the senses with spicy yet subtle vanilla and light orange notes. Finally, it finishes warm, with a gentle sweetness quite unlike any other.

Whether you enjoy Old Forester straight up, on the rocks, or in a Manhattan, Old Forester is sure to please. Here’s a Manhattan recipe from Old Forester Master Bourbon Specialist Jacquelyn Zykan:

2 ounces Old Forester Signature
0.75 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry, and enjoy responsibly.

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Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-50% Alc. by Volume, Brown-Forman Distillers Company, Louisville, KY.

PLEASE SIP OLD FORESTER RESPONSIBLY.

Play it again, Houston, at this new hotspot

Houston's new piano bar hits a high note with 2-story patio & martinis

A man plays the piano while a cocktail sits next to him

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

The Kennedy, a new restaurant and piano bar, aims to strike a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication as it opens at 3210 W Dallas St., near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive.

Former frequenters of Muse and Emmaline will recognize The Kennedy’s location that sits where Montrose and River Oaks begin to blend. The more than 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an intimate retreat through a rich, moody color palette, dark wood paneling, and cozy seating vignettes.

A large, indoor bar is a focal point, while tall ceilings and expansive industrial windows lend a contemporary edge to the timeless design. Nearly 40 pieces of art — including original, classical, and contemporary works sourced from local galleries — adorn the walls, creating a space that’s as visually captivating as it is welcoming. With cooler temperatures finally on the horizon, Houstonians can enjoy the weather on The Kennedy’s two-story, amply-shaded patios.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests,” owner Andres Castro said in a statement. “We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Music is woven into the experience, with live performances by vocalists, pianists, and DJs on the menu. A baby grand piano serves as the heart of the entertainment, and a dual-sided fireplace doubles as a DJ booth, creating a vibrant late-night lounge ambiance.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Kennedy serves lunch on Fridays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Executive chef Adriana Maldonado, who honed her skills in New York City at spots like Javelina and Olives, brings her expertise to the kitchen. The menu, crafted in collaboration with Carniceria Prime Meat Market, features premium dishes such as a prime wagyu ribeye with romesco and chimichurri ($32) and a delicate wagyu ribeye tartare ($21). Elevated plates include truffle white wine lobster spaghetti ($30) with vodka sauce and yellow heirloom tomatoes, along with a playful twist on the mozzarella stick, coated in potato chips and topped with crème fraîche and caviar ($24).

The bar menu, with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, an impressive martini list, and international wines and champagnes, has something for every taste. Highlights include the mango ember ($16), a mezcal-based drink with mango purée, and the clarified millionaire margarita ($26) with Patron Cielo. Martini lovers can enjoy choices like the lychee martini ($16) and the soprano negroni with orange Campari foam ($18).

Casual attire is welcome during the day, but “Sunset Attire” is requested after 6 pm, encouraging visitors to dress up for the evening in keeping with the venue’s upscale vibe.

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” Castro said.

This is the first concept of Castro’s newly-formed Ninety3 Hospitality Group. Castro has 12 years of hospitality experience, including time at nightclubs such as Spire and Clé, and six years in private aviation.