The Gibson Smokestack cocktail, a smoky tribute to Kalamazoo's iconic guitar factory, blends bourbon, a hint Rock 'n Rye, and a whisper of campfire smoke.
Rediscovering a Lost Treasure: The Gibson Guitar Cocktail Menu
I recently stumbled upon a crumpled, liquid-stained piece of paper tucked away in a reference book. Unfolding it brought a smile to my face – it was the original draft of one of my most cherished beverage menus. Over my career, I've crafted numerous successful drink programs, but this one held a special place in my heart. It was the menu I launched at Old Dog Tavern back in 2014, a tribute to Kalamazoo's legendary Gibson Guitar Factory, a cornerstone of the city for over a century.
Choosing which iconic guitars to translate into "liquid form" was a delightful challenge. So many classics to pick from! I ultimately narrowed it down to five, and the menu debuted to rave reviews from the local cocktail aficionados. The Gibson ES, inspired by its ruby shallot finish, featured house-made pickled onions and an apple, pear, and shallot shrub. The Les Paul, channeling its cinnamon maple glory, quickly became a crowd favorite. But one cocktail rose above the rest: The Gibson Smokestack.
Years before smoky cocktails became ubiquitous, I was pioneering the technique with a decidedly MacGyver-esque approach. Armed with a small 4-inch cast iron pan, a culinary torch, and a mix of applewood and cherrywood chips, I'd invert a rocks glass over the smoking chips in the pan. While the glass absorbed the smoke, I'd stir the cocktail ingredients with ice, and after about 20 seconds, strain the concoction into the freshly smoked glass. The Smokestack was then crowned with a flaming marshmallow. There were times I had to pause production, half-expecting the back bar's sprinkler system to activate! The aromas of a Michigan campfire drifted through the tavern, drawing curious patrons to the back bar to witness the "mixing witch" at work.
The Gibson Smokestack
2 ounce Bourbon
¾ ounce Rock n Rye Syrup*
2-3 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
(or 2 droppers of Elixir Bitters #2 from "Drink the Wild")
Applewood and Cherrywood chips
Marshmallows
In a mixing glass, combine syrup, bitters and bourbon. Place 2-3 chips of wood in a small metal stray or bowl and char them with a culinary torch just enough to get the smoke rising. Place a rocks glass upside down over the smoking chips for 10-20 seconds. While you wait, add ice to your mixing glass and stir well. Strain your cocktail into the freshly smoked glass, garnish with a marshmallow, and light it up!
Rock 'n Rye Syrup
Blend 2 cups sugar, 1 cup hot water, 2 ounces rye whiskey, and a dash or two of vanilla extract.
A Toast to the Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Music, Resilience, and Cocktails
In September 2013, I had the privilege of meeting John Thomas, the author behind "Kalamazoo Gals - a Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson’s “Banner” Guitars of WWII," at his book launch held at Old Dog Tavern. I was busy crafting Kalamazoo's signature cocktail, "I've Got a Gal," for the celebration. John's book beautifully chronicles the story of the Gibson Banner guitars, a unique chapter in Gibson's history during World War II. Faced with wartime material shortages, these guitars often utilized non-traditional woods and simpler designs. Yet, despite these constraints, the Banner guitars, recognizable by the "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner decal on their headstocks, are celebrated for their powerful tone and sturdy construction. Their unique character and historical significance make them highly sought-after instruments today, embodying a spirit of resilience and innovation, and demonstrating Gibson's dedication to quality even in challenging times.
The "Kalamazoo Gals," the women who built these iconic guitars while the men were away at war, are a central part of this story. These skilled workers were essential to Gibson's production during this period. One of these remarkable women, Irene Stearns, the last surviving Kalamazoo Gal, was also present at the book launch. Beyond simply meeting John and Irene, I also had the incredible opportunity to play one of the historic Banner Guitars.
The story of the Kalamazoo Gals resonated far beyond the pages of John Thomas's book, culminating in a powerful theatrical production.
Years later, in April 2017, Bare Backstage Productions brought the "Kalamazoo Gals" story to life on stage with "Good Enough," a play by Cara Beth Heath, MFA, based on John Thomas's book. The play followed the lives, loves, and struggles of Irene, Helen, Jenny, Mary Jane, Gladys, and June, exploring their experiences in a world at war. Tension, like the strings of a Gibson guitar, ran through their stories as they navigated their changing roles and questioned whether history would remember their vital contributions to American music and the war effort. My wonderful Sarah played Gladys in the production, and I was honored to create custom cocktails for each performance. After opening night, we celebrated at Old Dog Tavern, where Irene enjoyed a non-alcoholic version of "The Gal" cocktail and danced the night away in her late 90s!
The famed "Gibson Smokestack" stood the test of time but was unfortunately beyond repair during the building's most recent renovation. May this cocktail be just as much a timeless tribute to the famed Gibson Guitar as those timeless, smokey, bricks.
Recipe by Angie Jackson. Photographs by Angie Jackson and Shutterstock.
Article by Angie Jackson
Follow Elixir House on Facebook and Instagram for more! @theelixirhouse
Important Notices
Do not try self-diagnosis or attempt self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without first consulting a qualified medical herbalist or medical practitioner as appropriate. Do not exceed any dosages recommended. Always consult a professional practitioner if symptoms persist. If taking prescribed medicines, seek professional medical advice before using herbal remedies.
Comments