Crown Royal Goes Maple: Media Tasting And Mixing Contest At The Broken Shaker

Unlike vodka drinkers, Whiskey lovers tend to be somewhat traditional in their choice of libations. You don't come across Raspberry Jameson or Bushnell's Citrus, for example. But this past year, the tried and true traditions of whiskey making have taken a turn.

First came the onset, and almost immediately popular, honey-flavored whiskey, such as American Honey Whiskey and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey. Crown Royal has decided to enter the flavored whiskey game with a decided twist, introducing Crown Maple: The legendary taste of Crown Royal with a touch of natural maple flavor.

Short Order was on hand for the official unveiling to the press. Unlike most liquor tastings which tend to be a bit, ahem, dull, Crown Royal created an interactive event which pleased even the most cynical of media hounds.

Aside from the free cocktails, we were invited to create and name our own shot using Crown Maple. At the end of the evening, the winner was bestowed with a certificate for a three-day cruise. We knew we were in this business for a reason.

Guests sipped on complimentary drinks, mixed by the masterful mixologists of the Broken Shaker, who some might remember as a hip pop up bar. Now fixed with permanent digs at Freehand Miami, formerly known as the Indian Creek Hotel in Miami Beach, the Broken Shaker is sure to become a hipster landmark.

Here are two recipes of drinks we sampled. Enjoy

Crown Royal Maple Old Fashioned

• .075 oz. Crown Royal Maple Finished Whisky
• .075 oz. Bulleit Rye
• 1 Teaspoon Demerara Syrup
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Dash Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters

• 1.5 oz Crown Royal Maple Whisky
• .75 oz Lemon Juice
• .5 oz Simple Syrup
• Ginger Beer