The Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned: A Classic Cocktail with a Nashville Twist
- The Octopus
- May 7
- 3 min read

Let’s get one thing straight: not all Old Fashioned's are created equal. Some are just bourbon and regret in a glass, while others—like ours—are a masterpiece of craftsmanship, flavor, and a little bit of mystery. Enter The Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned, the crown jewel of The Eighth Room’s cocktail menu and an experience as smooth as its ingredients.
We could just tell you it’s the best Old Fashioned in Nashville, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, let’s break down what makes this drink a legend in its own right.

The Bourbon: Belle Meade Bourbon
At the heart of the Hollis Old Fashioned cocktail is Belle Meade Bourbon, a Nashville-born spirit with a pedigree as rich as its flavor. Crafted by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Belle Meade Bourbon is a nod to Tennessee’s pre-Prohibition whiskey-making heritage.
It’s a high-rye bourbon, which means it’s got a little extra spice and complexity—perfect for an Old Fashioned that doesn’t just sit in the background. With notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak, it’s the star of the show. And honestly, if you’re not drinking Belle Meade, what are you even doing?

The Twist: Shanky’s Whip
Now, here’s where things get interesting. We don’t just stop at bourbon. We add a splash of Shanky’s Whip, an Irish whiskey liqueur that’s as smooth as your best pickup line. With flavors of vanilla and caramel balanced by a subtle malty finish, it adds a layer of richness and intrigue to the cocktail.
Think of it as the unexpected guest at the party who ends up stealing the show.

The Bitters: Regan’s Orange Bitters
Every great Old Fashioned needs a touch of bitters to balance the sweetness, and we’re not cutting corners here. Regan’s Orange Bitters bring a citrusy zing and a dash of sophistication that ties the whole drink together.
Named after cocktail legend Gary Regan, these bitters are basically the gold standard. If you know, you know.

The Extras: Luxardo Cherry & Custom Ice
We don’t just throw a sad maraschino cherry into your glass and call it a day. Oh no. We use a Luxardo Cherry, the OG of cocktail garnishes. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it’s the cherry your drink deserves.
And let’s talk about the ice. This isn’t your average freezer cube. We use a custom-stamped crystal-clear ice cube, because presentation matters, and you’re here for an experience, not just a drink.

The Mystery: What We’re Not Telling You
Of course, we can’t give away all our secrets. There’s a little magic that goes into every Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned, and you’ll just have to taste it to believe it.
What we can tell you is that every sip is a perfectly balanced blend of boldness, sweetness, and a hint of mystery. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you don’t.

Why It Matters
The Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail. It’s a love letter to Nashville’s rich history, a tribute to the art of mixology, and a reminder that sometimes, the classics really are the best.
Whether you’re sipping it on our lush outdoor deck, enjoying it during Golden Hour, or pairing it with one of our elevated snacks, this is the drink that’ll keep you coming back for more.
The Final Word
So, what are you waiting for? Come to The Eighth Room, order The Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned, and let us show you why this cocktail is the stuff of legends.
And hey, don’t forget to snap a pic for Instagram. That custom-stamped ice cube deserves its moment in the spotlight.
The Hollis Belle Meade Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail, reimagined with Nashville flair.
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