Review: Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker

Judging from the number of glass cloches I see on the backs of bars these days, smoked cocktails are still a thing, and consumers now have plenty of options for making these unique libations at home.

New to the scene is Bark & Barware, a kit that includes a gunlike torch, smoking vessel that sits directly atop a cocktail glass (with lid and an extra basket), and chips from six different kinds of wood. (Pear wood? Why not!) Also in the wooden box are four whiskey stones and a silicone mold you can use to make spherical ice cubes.

I spent most of my time with the smoker, which is easy to fill with over-the-counter butane and lights reliably, shooting four hot, steady, blue flames about a centimeter from the nozzle. It’s easy to get the nozzle deep into the wood chips in the basket without scorching your fingers or your barware. Light it up for about 30 seconds over your otherwise finished cocktail of choice, then drop the lid on top and let the smoke drift downward into your glass. The longer you let it simmer, the more smoke flavor you’ll get.

Ultimately, the experience here is not unlike the one I’ve had with any other number of cocktail smokers, though I do find the ergonomics of Bark & Barware’s to be exceptionally easy to use, and the build quality of the lighter is solid and sturdy. I also enjoyed having the wooden box to keep everything nice and tidy in. Wood chips, you know, they get everywhere.

If you’re buying one, don’t forget the butane, as fuel is not included.

A / $50 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

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