Every year we like to shine a light on one classic cocktail, and this November it’s the Old Fashioned’s turn, for Old Fashioned Month. It’s a drink that never goes out of style. Simple in ingredients but endless in expression, it’s the perfect canvas for creativity.
For Old Fashioned Month 2025, we’ve partnered once again with Woodford Reserve and a handful of incredible spirit houses to bring together six different takes on this iconic serve. Each version has its own character and story, from smooth and traditional to bold and modern.
You’ll get your own Old Fashioned Month collector card when you visit. Every Old Fashioned you order earns a stamp, and once you’ve collected six, you’ll take home a limited edition Nuthatch Hip Flask. For every three, you’ll also be entered into our Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection prize draw worth £150.
So whether you’re a long-time regular or it’s your first visit, here’s a little guide from me to help you find your favourite.
Every Old Fashioned Month we like to introduce one completely new creation, and this is 2025’s showpiece. The Final Stanza is built around Glendronach “Ode to the Dark”, a rare and limited-edition single malt that’s become one of my favourite whiskies to work with.
Aged entirely in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, it’s full of treacle, date and dark chocolate, with Glendronach’s trademark richness and weight. To build on that, we’ve created a miso and date syrup that adds a gentle savoury sweetness and paired it with walnut bitters for a rounded, nutty finish.
It’s thoughtful, slow and layered — a whisky lover’s Old Fashioned that rewards patience. The name came naturally. Like a great poem, it leaves a lasting impression long after the glass is empty.
This is our signature blend and my personal starting point for anyone exploring the range. It brings together Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum and Courvoisier XO Cognac. The result is rich, balanced and incredibly smooth, with just enough sweetness from demerara sugar and a few dashes of bitters to tie it all together. It’s the perfect expression of what we love about the Old Fashioned — elegance and depth in equal measure.
This one’s a little unexpected and that’s why I love it. Built around Gin Mare, it brings bright herbal notes of thyme and pink peppercorn with a clean finish from Bob’s Spring Bitters. It’s aromatic, dry and lighter than you might imagine, perfect if you prefer something more refreshing than rich.
Our take on a Rum Old Fashioned, made with Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. It’s velvety, smooth and full of flavour — think caramel, vanilla and orange peel. I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a sweeter profile or wants to try something familiar but just a little different.
This one’s pure comfort. We use Glendronach 12-Year-Old, known for its deep sherry-cask richness, and stir it with dark chocolate and bitters. The combination gives a beautifully rounded texture, soft cocoa notes and a finish that lingers. It’s a crowd favourite and I can see why.
This is where things start to get bold. Made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, our house chipotle and rosemary syrup, and bitters, it’s smoky, spicy and just a little savoury. If you like your cocktails with personality and a touch of fire, this one’s for you.
You can join the celebration every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout November. Just ask for your collector card when you arrive.
It’s one of our favourite times of year in the bar. The atmosphere is relaxed, the whiskies are flowing, and it’s a chance to discover something new in one of the oldest cocktails there is.
I hope to see you at the bar soon.
– Simon
Owner, The Nuthatch Middlesbrough
Get ready for a summer celebration with a festive twist. Join us Sunday 27th July from 5pm for our much-loved Christmas in July evening.
🎁 £29.95 per guest
Includes 3 festive cocktails, our Christmas playlist, decorations, and all the cheer of December — without the cold.
🧀 Charcuterie & Cheese will also be available at a special discounted price.
Spaces are limited, so book early and bring a little sparkle to your summer!
