Valentino’s Demise with Clynelish Scotch could be my downfall. Jim Romdall created a lovely drink with perfectly balanced smoky sweetened charm. Served at the Diagio VIP Cocktail Hour in New Orleans.Happy Hour takes on new meaning when Diageo throws the largest VIP Cocktail Hour possible in New Orleans. The bartenders and mixologists put a modern spin on the most influential cocktails from the 1900’s to present day.

Bartenders measured, stirred and shook their concoctions to pleasant perfection. Gin reigned supreme, but there were a few smoky Scotch cocktails to whet the palate. If this Cocktail Hour had been more than mere tasting, Valentino’s Demise could certainly have been my downfall. Jim Romdall created a lovely drink with perfectly balanced smoky sweetened charm. You definitely need to make this for yourself.

Valentino’s Demise with Clynelish Scotch could be my downfall. Jim Romdall created a lovely drink with perfectly balanced smoky sweetened charm. Served at the Diagio VIP Cocktail Hour in New Orleans.Valentino’s Demisecreated by Jim Romdall, Vessel, Seattle

1-1/2 ounce Clynelish 14 Year Old

1/2 ounce Clear Creek Kirschwasser

1/2 ounce Punt e Mes

1/2 ounce Clement Creole Shrubb

Dash Bitter Truth Xocolatl Bitters

5 drops Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with ice.  Stir.  Strain into chilled coupe glass.  Top with 5 drops of Caol Ila 12 Year Old.

Diageo’s VIP Cocktail’s Through the Decades Cocktail Hour at The Cabildo presented numerous drink recipes to sample. Look for more recipes from the party in the coming weeks.

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All content ©2016 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist

Cheri Loughlin is the Omaha writer and photographer behind www.intoxicologist.net and author of Cocktails with a Tryst: An Affair with Mixology and Seduction. You can email Cheri with comments and questions at str8upcocktails@gmail.com.

Smolder in Smoky Sweet Charm of Valentino’s Demise