Paper Plane Set: Old Grand-Dad + Aperol + Amaro Nonino

This delightful trio of spirits shines brightest when combined in equal parts to create a perfectly balanced, bittersweet cocktail that's both refreshing and complex. Sip it slowly on a warm summer evening, ideally paired with light appetizers like bruschetta or prosciutto-wrapped melon, to fully appreciate the interplay of flavors as they unfold on your palate.

Nose: Bright orange zest and grapefruit peel upfront, followed by warm bourbon spice. Subtle herbal notes of gentian and rhubarb mingle with a hint of caramel sweetness.

Palate: Citrus-forward with a balance of bitter and sweet. Tangy orange and grapefruit flavors blend with bourbon's vanilla and oak. Herbal complexity from the amaro adds depth, with notes of chamomile, licorice, and baking spices.

Finish: Medium-long with a pleasant bittersweet interplay. Citrus oils linger alongside warming bourbon heat. Gentle herbal bitterness and a touch of honey round out the experience, leaving a refreshing and complex aftertaste.

The Paper Plane cocktail set combines Old Grand-Dad bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in equal parts, typically with fresh lemon juice as the fourth component. What makes this drink's production interesting is how it balances the robust, high-rye bourbon against two Italian aperitifs with very different flavor profiles - the bitter-orange Aperol and the grappa-based, herb-and-spice-infused Amaro Nonino - creating a complex yet surprisingly approachable cocktail.

• The Paper Plane cocktail was invented in 2007 by Sam Ross, who named it after the M.I.A. song he was listening to while creating the drink. He folded a paper plane out of the cocktail's menu to garnish the first serve, cementing its iconic name.
• Old Grand-Dad bourbon, a key ingredient in the Paper Plane, was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather Basil Hayden Sr., who was a legendary distiller in his own right. This multi-generational bourbon adds depth and history to every sip of the cocktail.
• Amaro Nonino, the Italian herbal liqueur used in the Paper Plane, is still produced by the Nonino family using a secret recipe that includes over 40 herbs, spices, and roots. Each bottle is aged in small barrels made from different woods, including cherry, ash, and oak, contributing to its complex flavor profile.