I am certain I typed a response to this yesterday but I cannot see it here. I liked the drink even though it is odd and somewhat dominated or overridden by the bitters. Like you said, I would like a pro to make one and see how they do it.
Very nice Stagg Shelly! Congrat to you and your grad student.
HDen, you also need a camera!
Now drinking a dram of Fortaleza Reposado in a CanJam LA Glencairn. Yum.