Today’s story is about the law, and the incredible journey of one man breaking free from a society of unjust laws to then become the ultimate enforcer of the law in a new and dangerous land. Hi, my name is Gabe Bauer, and this is Top Shelf History where we combine great stories with great drinks.

This is The Hangman’s Courier. It is the cocktail I have made for you based on the incredible life of Bass Reeves, the legendary black U.S. Marshall who extended the long arm of the law to the outlaw’s once untouched land of refuge. It is a drink as hearty as the man who inspired it and is made of bourbon, crème de cacao, bitters, and gin.

Now, chances are you’ve never heard of Bass Reeves. Most people haven’t. But that (pause) is a travesty. So let me introduce you. Bass Reeves was born into slavery in Arkansas in 1838 and was owned by the Reeves family. After the family moved to Texas in 1846, Bass started working as a water boy. As he got older he transitioned from water boy to farmhand.  But, when the Reeves patriarch, William Reeves, passed away, his son George chose to use Bass as his personal companion and valet.

In 1861 the Civil War began. George Reeves joined the ranks of the Confederacy for the state of Texas in the 11th cavalry, and eventually rose to the rank of Colonel. Bass came with him. However, while on the campaign George and Bass were separated. There are several theories as to what happened between the two, including a supposed argument over a card game, but whatever did happen, I’m sure Bass was glad it did. Because he high-tailed it out of camp, out of slavery, and headed straight for the Indian territory (which is modern day Oklahoma). While hiding out in the land of the natives, Bass came to be friendly with the tribespeople of the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek nations; learning their languages (which would really benefit him later on), enhancing his tracking skills, and becoming an exceptionally accurate marksman with a pistol.

Following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, Bass was finally a free man and as such, purchased land in Arkansas. Several years later, in 1875, the Federal Court was placed in Fort Collins, Arkansas, right on the Oklahoma border. Something, which would have a profound impact on the life of my friend Bass. Why? Well, since Oklahoma was Indian territory at the time, the U.S. had no jurisdiction. With no law to rule them, outlaws, murderers, and thieves were known to hide out there, shielding themselves from the authorities on the other side of the border.

One of those authorities was named Isaac Parker, the judge at Fort Collins (also known as “the hanging judge” for the number of outlaws he sentenced to death). Parker was hellbent on bringing the outlaws to justice and was willing to do almost anything to make that happen. And so, he recruited Bass Reeves to be one of the first black U.S. Marshalls in history. And let me tell you, Bass was the man for the job. Between his knowledge of the land and his friendly relations with the natives, Bass was incredibly valuable.

Although, he did have one drawback: he was illiterate. But he was too determined to let something like reading hold him back. So what did he do? He memorized the shape of the letters and the faces of the outlaws on the bounties he hunted. And, remarkably, over the course of his career, Bass brought in over 3000 outlaws without ever getting one person’s identity wrong. In his years as a bounty hunter/lawman, he faced numerous firefights and even killed 14 men without ever being injured. And when asked about violence in his line of work, Bass stated that he only ever took a life if it was necessary to preserve his.

Bass truly was a legend and man of both principle and honor. He lived a hard life, but he never let himself off the hook. He was so committed to his principles that he even he arrested his own son for murder. After killing his wife in a fit of jealous rage, his son Bennie fled across the border. Despite feeling completely devastated, Bass Reeves answered the law’s request and went after his son. He returned a free man. Bennie did not. For the murder of his wife, Bennie received a life sentence, but in a hopeful turn for our friend Bass, he was such a well-behaved prisoner that he was ultimately released on parole and lived the rest of his life as a model citizen.

Our story comes to an end in 1910, when Bass Reeves passed away at the age of 71. I’m telling you, the man is a legend. So, let’s keep the legend going by turning our focus to commemorating this incredible man in alcohol.

We start with bourbon. But this isn’t just any bourbon, oh no, this is Leadslinger’s Bourbon, distilled in Moore, Oklahoma. A fitting place for the Marshall of the Indian Territory, don’t you think? Now this bourbon is incredibly smooth and flavorful, but I think we need to add some more elements to make sure this drink as unique and memorable as the man who inspired it. For that we will add some Aviation American Gin. Because after all this drink has to be as American as possible.

Next, we will follow that up with some Crème de Cacao to represent Bass’ past as a slave and the trials of being a black man in the pre, during, and post-Civil War southwest. It’s the sweetness of the liquor that best represents how Bass conquered all those obstacles to become one of the most feared and revered lawman of his time. Finally, since some of Bass’ opponents bit the bullet, I feel we should add some bite as well. For that let’s throw in some chocolate bitters. This won’t disrupt the chocolate flavor we have going for us, but it will add a nice bite to this smooth drink.

We stir that up with a spoon, and there you have it: The Hangman’s Courier. Let’s try it! Well, I must say justice is so sweet, because that drink is delicious.