With temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees in Boston today, there’s no escaping the heat. So come along as I review another ready-made Old Fashioned because, when it’s this hot, a cold cocktail sounds just about perfect.

Straightaway Cocktails is a Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in ready-to-drink cocktails. The Old Fashioned I picked up comes in a four-pack of 100ml cans, each clocking in at 40% ABV. I paid $18.99 for the pack, which works out to about $4.75 per cocktail. Not a bad price and certainly cheaper than ordering one at most bars.

One thing I really like is the packaging. The small cans are easy to throw in a cooler, take on a trip, or bring to a get-together. The cocktail itself is made with whiskey, simple syrup, and Straightaway’s signature Filbert & Fir bitters, which gives it a distinctly Pacific Northwest twist.

This is a dry Old Fashioned. It’s oaky, slightly citrusy, and you really do pick up the fir notes from the bitters. What I appreciated most was that it wasn’t sweet at all, a nice change from some ready-made Old Fashioned that can lean too heavily on the sugar.

The cocktail has a strong Pacific Northwest character thanks to those Filbert & Fir bitters. Personally, I enjoyed the fir notes and thought they added something unique, but if you’re not a fan of earthy, piney flavors or drier cocktails, this probably won’t be for you.

What I liked most is that it doesn’t try to be just another standard Old Fashioned. It takes the classic template and gives it a regional twist that works surprisingly well. The flavors reminded me of fall, crisp air, and cooler days. On a sweltering day like today, that sense of fall is pretty welcome.

If you’re looking for an Old Fashioned that’s a little different from the norm, this is one worth trying.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.