morphsci

Nice drinks Al. The second one looks very interesting. May need to give it a try with the Gran Classico. The Templeton Rye would be better if they bottled it at higher proof IMO, especially for mixing. Been wanting to try this for a while since Al posted it: Darkside * Ice * 2 1/2 ounces gin, preferably Plymouth brand * 1 ounce Barolo Chinato * 3 dashes Peychaud bitters * Twist of lime peel * 1 whole star anise (optional) Directions: Fill a mixing glass two-thirds full with ice, then add the gin, Barolo Chinato and bitters. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into a cocktail (martini) glass. Twist the lime peel over the drink, then drop it in, along with the star anise, if desired.

Happy birthday Dinny!

Well not up to the FFF crew level, but had a Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Stout with dinner. It has been cellared for a year and it may totally be placebo, but it tastes a lot better than I remember.

I do not think I have found a Brooklyn variation that I do not like and the Cobble Hill is no exception. I was kind of Rushed last night so I didn't have time to taste the Nardini Amaro onits own. The first order of business tonight will be some straight Amaros.

Congrats Mike (1 for the ZD and 1 for the HE-500).

Seconding the good choice Shelly and adding one for Marc's rye heavy Manhattan and Al's Frisco. I think the Rendevous is the sweet spot in The High West rye stable Dinny and I do agree it tends toward a sweeter Manhattan. Finally finishing off the Boroughs with a Carroll Gardens 2 oz rye whiskey ½ oz Punt e Mes ½ oz Nardini Amaro 1 bar-spoon Maraschino liqueur Stir with ice and strain in to a cocktail glass. Add a twist of lemon zest twist, rim and discard (I didn't).

Thank You.

Yep. The technical term is "Dumb as a stump".

Sorry about Libby's ear infection Haj. I hope you have practiced left handed drinking Al.

I would not hesitate to buy anything that looked interesting from Parker's, vanWinkle, or Buffalo Trace. I would probably add High West to that list except I did not really care for their Double Rye.

Vizzini: No more rhymes now, I mean it. Fezzik: Anybody want a peanut?

I have seen it for as low as $85 and as high as $120.

Yay, Cooking with Colin has returned

^^^ This. And then we'll get drunk.

Hmm, that puts it right around Christmas. I have a bit of time off then ...

Nice start to your birthday scotchmeister. Hope it continues to improve.

Have a Happy Birthday Chris when you are able to celebrate.

This is a very nice Bourbon.

Well it is definitely interesting as the ingredients are well integrated and there is a bit of smoothness that would not be there without the barrel aging. I probably would have used their Rendevous Rye rather than their Double Rye, but that is personal preference. But that is where I was disappointed. When I make a Manhattan, I get to choose the Rye, the vermouth(s), bitters, proportions, etc. the Manhattan is one f the most tweakable of cocktails, and that is one of the reasons I like it so well. I can craft it to fit my mood at the time. You lose that here so better to view it as something altogether different. If you do that it is worthwhile and interesting.

Small batch vinegar for the win; Supplcation for the bigger win. The Lorraine looks good Marc, the Earthquake, not so much. Trying out some High West 36th Vote barreled Manhattan. I'll need to get back to you on this one.

A few odds and ends from DrinkupNY before the free shipping ended.

RIP Champ. Thanks for some of the best boxing matches ever.

Is that based off of the THD vs. Frequency graph?

No. Just good times.

Thanks for reminding me I really like the Ransom Old Tom Mike. So let's see if I agree with Al. Well it definitely highlights the taste of the Old Tom. Not great but ....