The Boulevardier and the Old Pal are both delicious cocktails that have a similar base of whiskey and Campari. However, there are a few key differences between the two drinks that set them apart in terms of taste and ingredients.
1. Whiskey Choice:
– The Boulevardier traditionally calls for bourbon as the whiskey of choice. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is known for its rich, sweet, and slightly caramel flavor profile. The sweetness of the bourbon complements the bitterness of the Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth in the Boulevardier.
– On the other hand, the Old Pal usually calls for rye whiskey. Rye whiskey has a spicier and drier flavor compared to bourbon. This adds a different dimension to the cocktail, as the rye's spiciness interacts with the bitterness of the Campari and the dryness of the vermouth.
2. Vermouth Selection:
– In the Boulevardier, sweet vermouth is typically used. Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that has a higher sugar content and a more pronounced herbal and fruity flavor profile. It adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the cocktail.
– Conversely, the Old Pal uses dry vermouth. Dry vermouth is a lighter and less sweet fortified wine that has a more subtle flavor profile. It adds a touch of dryness and a crispness to the cocktail, allowing the other ingredients to shine through.
3. Flavor Profile:
– The Boulevardier tends to be a slightly sweeter and more rounded cocktail due to the use of bourbon and sweet vermouth. The bourbon brings a smoothness and richness, while the sweet vermouth adds depth and sweetness to balance the bitterness of the Campari.
– In contrast, the Old Pal has a drier and spicier flavor profile. The rye whiskey adds a bold and peppery note, which pairs well with the bitterness of the Campari and the dryness of the vermouth. It has a more assertive and robust character.
4. Origins and History:
– The Boulevardier is believed to have originated in Paris during the 1920s and was popularized by an American expatriate named Erskine Gwynne. It became known as a variation of the Negroni, substituting gin with bourbon.
– The Old Pal, on the other hand, traces its roots to the 1920s Prohibition era in the United States. It was created by Harry MacElhone, a bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The cocktail was named in honor of his friend and regular customer, William “Sparrow” Robertson, who was known as the “Old Pal.”
While both the Boulevardier and the Old Pal share a common base of whiskey and Campari, their choice of whiskey, vermouth, and resulting flavor profiles set them apart. The Boulevardier leans towards a sweeter and more rounded taste with bourbon and sweet vermouth, while the Old Pal has a drier and spicier character with rye whiskey and dry vermouth. Exploring both cocktails allows for a delightful exploration of the nuanced world of whiskey-based libations.