Last week I wrote about Delmonico beverage manager Max Solano’s new trio of Buffalo Trace cocktails, including the featured Frankfort Sour. What inspired the new recipes was Solano’s recent visit to the distillery, a visit I’m making myself this week, as I write this from Kentucky. Along with Emeril Lagasse Restaurants President Eric Linquest and Buffalo Trace director of bourbon marketing Kris Comstock, Solano blind-tasted 12, then selected a single barrel (lot No. 3, rickhouse C, rick 113, barrel No. 558, if you’re curious).

Buffalo Trace’s Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10-Year-Old bourbon was announced last month as winner of the inaugural Bourbon Trophy at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition, and the resulting 145-165 private-label bottles of the Emeril’s private selection will be available for $15 per shot in October at Delmonico, Table 10 and Emeril’s Fish House, with new cocktails created just to show it off. So, why this barrel? “I scored this one the highest out of all of them,” Solano says. “The bouquet and depth of flavors, especially after opening up, were absolutely amazing.” (Find tasting notes at VegasSeven.com/Cocktail-Culture.)

As the private-selection Eagle Rare Single Barrel cocktails will be served at all three of Emeril’s Las Vegas restaurants, Solano recommends trying this bourbon with desserts or cheese plates as well as barbecued proteins, such as chicken and pork, anything cooked with spice or smoke. “I would be very curious, and would almost wager anything, that this would pair really well with a beautifully seared piece of foie gras,” he says. You’re on, Mr. Solano!

Find more on the Las Vegas cocktail scene here.

[This piece originally ran in the September 12, 2013 issue of Vegas Seven magazine. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery.]