Proof is a line of cocktail syrups that make Old Fashioneds. The Proof team is Kirk Gibson (bartender of the Pinewood), Brooks Cloud (owner of the Pinewood), Julian Goglia (bar manager at the Pinewood), and Mike Blydenstein (chef at the Pinewood). A collaborative effort between the group led to the best blend of orange and lemon oils, sugars and bitters. Once they landed on the perfect concoction, they experimented with incorporating pecans and bacon into the mix. Proof debuted with three expertly crafted bottled syrups for the market.

Proof offers three cocktail syrups: a traditional Old Fashioned recipe that tastes of bitters and a hint of candied orange; a dry pecan variation; and maple bacon. Although the syrups were made with whiskey in mind, the team has produced a flyer with recipes tailored for gin and rum as well.

Proof, is cooked, bottled, and labeled in the Pinewood’s kitchen, and carried by five local stores including Decatur Package and H&F Bottle Shop, and at the Pinewood. As more vendors signed on, Proof began exponential expansion. United Distributors, a large liquor wholesaler covering Georgia and Alabama, placed Proof in more than 80 stores. To meet demand, the partners hired some workers just to help make syrup, and recently bought a machine to affix the attractive labels to the 32-ounce bottles.