Smoke, Wood & Old Fashioned Craft Playbook

Bourbon & Brushes Smoke & Old Fashioned Courses teach the foundational craft behind smoked cocktails... not tricks, not theatrics, but intentional technique.

This program focuses on:

• Why smoke works
• How wood changes flavor
• How to build Old Fashioneds consistently
• How to control aroma, bitterness, sweetness, and finish
• How smoke, bitters, syrup, and bourbon work together

This is the backbone of Bourbon & Brushes.

Level 1 → Smoked Old Fashioned Foundations

Level 2 → Roadmap Smoke & Wood Experience

Level 3 → Master Smoked Old Fashioned Craftsman

Level 4 → Certified Smoke & Old Fashioned Instructor

“Fire With Purpose”

$65 per Person

Duration: 60–75 minutes

Group Size: 6-10

Included: Smoke Kit or Starter Tools

Participants will:

• Understand what smoke does (and doesn’t do)
• Learn proper Old Fashioned ratios
• Use smoke intentionally, not excessively
• Build one classic smoked Old Fashioned correctly

Smoke should never overpower the drink. It should invite you in. At Bourbon & Brushes, smoke is not a gimmick... it’s a frame for the bourbon.”

Topics:

• Old Fashioned history (simple, intentional)
• Why smoked cocktails work
• What most people get wrong 

Here you will learn the Core Formula:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¼–½ oz syrup
• 2–3 dashes bitters
• Stir... don’t shake
• Balance over sweetness
• Ice quality
• Stirring time

Cover:

• Glass smoke vs drink smoke
• Cold smoke vs heat
• When to smoke before vs after the build

Demonstration:

• Smoked glass Old Fashioned
• Smoked finished cocktail

 Participants:

• Build a Classic Smoked Old Fashioned
• Choose oak or applewood
• Practice smoke capture and release

“Aroma With a Destination”

$120 per Person

Duration: 90–120 minutes
Group Size: 4–8
Included: Roadmap Smoke Kit + Wood Pack

Participants will:

• Understand wood flavor profiles
• Pair wood to bourbon and syrup
• Build region-inspired smoked Old Fashioneds
• Taste side-by-side smoke differences 

Smoke should never overpower the drink. It should invite you in. 

Topics:

• Oak vs apple vs maple vs cypress vs pear
• Why wood aroma matters more than smoke density
• Regional wood storytelling 

Here you will learn the match ups for custom cocktails and why they make sense:

• Georgia Peach → Peach wood
• Swamp Bite → Cypress
• Lucky Burn → Maple
• Big Apple → Applewood 

Participants build 2–3 Roadmap Drinks, such as:

• Georgia Peach
• Swamp Bite
• Big Apple

Each build includes:

• Why this wood
• When to smoke
• How long to trap smoke

 Participants Compare:

• Same drink, different wood
• Smoked vs unsmoked finish

“Control the Fire”

$275. per person

Duration: 3 hours

Group Size: 4-8

Included: Master Smoke Kit

• Bartenders
• Pour Partners
• Brand Ambassadors
• Advanced Enthusiasts

Smoke should never overpower the drink. It should invite you in. 

Topics:

• Density vs aroma
• Temperature control
• Layered smoke techniques

Here you will learn:

• Syrup selection
• Bitters balance
• Ice and dilution control

Here you will learn:

• Glassware choice
• Timing the reveal
• Guest experience

Each Participant:

• Designs a custom smoked Old Fashioned
• Chooses wood intentionally
• Explains balance and technique
• Passes Final Exam
• Executes live 

You are now on your way to becoming a Master Instructor!

Authorized to teach Bourbon & Brushes smoke techniques, Old Fashioned construction, and wood pairing methods in accordance with Bourbon & Brushes University standards.

• Requirements:
• Level 3 Completion
• Co-Teach Session
• Solo Evaluated Class
• Brand Standards Check