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Welcome, Fearless

Rebellion Leesburg Concocts a Signature Drink for Fearful Times

Article by Kristin Mills

Photography by Celeste Linthicum

Originally published in Leesburg Lifestyle

Editor's note: When we heard that two veterans -- partners in Rebellion, a bourbon-focused bar already popular in D.C., Arlington and Wilmington, North Carolina -- would soon be adding their establishment to Leesburg's Historic Downtown culinary scene during a pandemic, we said, "That's fearless!" Then we asked them to immortalize this sentiment with a signature cocktail to help us all to embrace the uncertainty that is COVID-19 and still live our lives with joy and purpose. We asked them to call it "Fearless."

The Recipe

Fearless takes a new riff on an old classic – the iconic Manhattan cocktail. The cocktail combines Rebellion’s Catoctin Creek Barrel Select – a unique rye whisky that has been aged in a 53-gallon barrel once used for Añejo Tequila; the herbal touch of Bénédictine; sweet vermouth and bitters and infuses it with a charred bourbon cherry. The mezcal-like finish that comes from the whiskey, plus the smoky, richness of the cherry gives this drink plenty of oomph and complexity. 

  • 2 oz Catoctin Creek Barrel Select*
  • .5 oz Bénédictine D.O.M
  • .5 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • Charred bourbon cherry, pierced with a silver sword to garnish

Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe. Char the cherry by placing cherry on hot dry skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until charred and fragrant. Skewer cherry on cocktail pick and drop in. *Available at both Rebellion’s Virginia locations.

Behind Rebellion

Rebellion’s Leesburg location is a partnership between PROOFhospitality Management Company, owner of the original Rebellion concept, and Fold Three Hospitality, a venture between longtime friends, Joel Griffin and Brent McCaslin (pictured on the cover).

Rebellion’s basic tenets were formed from a brief, yet important, part of American history, The Whiskey Rebellion, a time whose struggles and sacrifices deserve to be honored. Each location offers more than 150 types of bourbon and whiskey as well as a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer. While Rebellion loves bourbon, it also exemplifies all the characteristics of the classic American tavern, providing upscale dining without the added price.

Joel, Co-owner and Managing Partner of Fold Three Hospitality, said, “When you come into the restaurant, you’ll see a quote by Thomas Jefferson that says, ‘A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.’ Rebellion is embodied in the values of our founding fathers, and we want to bring their values into everything we’re doing here – the environment, the food, the drinks and the impact we make in our community.”

Inspired by community and built on the principles of integrity, quality and creativity, Fold Three restaurants offer a place of occasion and gathering for the neighborhood. Each restaurant sits in historic corners of communities and celebrates local culture. In Leesburg, Rebellion will open this fall at 1 N. King Street. Fold Three Hospitality is named for the third fold of the American Flag, made in honor and remembrance of each veteran departing our ranks, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

Since opening in DC in 2014, Rebellion has received notoriety for DC’s Best Burger and has been listed as one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars by Bourbon Review Magazine. Join the Rebellion by following them on social media or visiting www.rebellionworldwide.com.

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