RECENT POSTS…
The Bluff
An exciting drink that appeals to me directly as a stirred drink with slightly spicy-sweet notes, and that I would have ordered directly in any bar because of the unique combination of spirits and liqueurs.
It can be found in very different ratios, with Difford's Guide clearly sweeter at 20/20/10/10. […]
Old Tom Gin / Calvados / Gentian Liqueur / Falernum
ROSÉ VERMOUTH - GUTEMANN BRÄNDE
Just a few days ago we returned from our bar tour in Barcelona, with its tradition of Vermuterias, i.e., bars where 90% of the time only vermouth is served on ice with an orange slice. This prompted me to take a closer look at one of the bottles we recently received. The fairly new Rosé Vermouth from Gutemann Brände, located on beautiful Lake Constance […]
Bar Zentral, Berlin, Germany
There are many reasons why a bar would be on a list of ‘personal favorites’ for me and since we are finally going to look at another one of those names, let me talk about why Bar Zentral in Berlin is a masterclass in consistency. Judging by pictures alone, you could be mistaken that it was the design that convinced me most. […]
Pressure Drop
Surprisingly drinkable for how it reads and yet highly intense and full of aromas. The ideal reason to get out some Old Tom, which naturally plays along well here thanks to its smoothness instead of classic dry gin. You can also replace the Meletti with Nonino if necessary. Intensity, freshness, herbs, juniper, vanilla, bitter orange and wonderful pear despite only one teaspoon, if you have really good Eau De Vie. […]
Old Tom Gin / Amaro / Dry Vermouth / Pear Brandy / Aromatic Bitters
Rusty
A lovely easy sipper from Simon Difford, rum and sherry almost always go wonderfully together. The recipe only says "sugar syrup", I personally think demerara is perfect here for a little more richness.
Subtle smoke on the nose, toasted oak, cocoa, raisins, dried fruit and beautiful, fresh sherry nuttiness. […]
Aged Rum / Amontillado Sherry / Peated Whisky / Demerara Syrup
El Koktel, Warsaw, Poland
While changes in the bar scene of Poland’s capital are happening rapidly, the ‘old guard’ and the pioneers of Mixology in the country are standing their ground. So many of the newly opened clubs and restaurants are focusing on ‘premium’ drinking and bottle service first these days, so I had hoped that places like El Koktel and The Roots would counter that with more classic craft. […]