The Intoxicologist

Bulldog smells like gin, tastes like gin, but doesn’t have quite the same bite as typical gin possibly due to its lower alcohol content.  Many gins are bottled at a higher proof range of 90ish while Bulldog Gin is bottled at the same proof as vodka; 80 proof.  The flavor is light, a wee bit floral and softer on juniper than a few brisker gins such as Right Gin and G’vine Nouaison.  Bulldog’s founder, Anshuman Vohra, achieved the goal of lighter tasting gin with an aesthetically appealing bottle for the contemporary consumer.  The bottle draws one’s eye to it with stylish junkyard dog fascination, but the flavor lacks the brusque character that is closely associated with many classic gins with brighter, crisper tasting flavor personality.  Bulldog comes across a little rounder along the edges.   Perhaps it is the unique accents of lavender, lotus and dragon’s eye that charm their way into the flavor profile.   

For traditional gin martini enthusiasts Bulldog’s bark is a little flashier than its bite, but it still makes a nice addition to the gin category.  Even so, it is always a great idea to take contemporary styled gin and whip up a classic cocktail or two. 

Bronx

2 parts Gin

1 part Orange Juice

1/2 part Dry Vermouth

1/2 part Sweet Vermouth

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir to chill.  Strain into a chilled martini glass. 

The Bronx cocktail comes off balanced in flavor.  Not too sweet.  Slightly round on the edges.  More of the sweet vermouth comes through in a secondary round of flavor. 

Dubarry

Dash Pernod Absinthe

Dash Angostura Bitters

2 parts Gin

1 part Dry Vermouth

Lemon Twist

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir to chill.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with lemon twist.

While I love a hint of absinthe flavor, I don’t like it to overpower a drink.  Rather than add a dash of Pernod risking a bit too much I washed the ice in the mixing glass with Pernod and then strained it out.  The Dubarry is rather interesting, possibly even bizarre.  Just when I think the Pernod will overtake the cocktail it fades into resistance and that is a rather difficult feat for a spirit over the likes of absinthe!  There is this particular melting vanilla butteriness in the cocktail that I like.   The Dubarry is not my favorite classic cocktail by far.  I can’t even say I could consume an entire one, but halving the portions to a smaller cocktail might make it just the hint of different a palate needs for a sense of the past once in a while.  It’s good, but different.  A diversion from the usual; a little like Bulldog Gin.

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

The movie is full of terrific lines:

“You despise me, don’t you?” – Ugarte … “If I gave you any thought I probably would.” – Rick

“Remember, this gun is pointed right at your heart.” – Rick … “That is my least vulnerable spot.” Captain Renault

The movie referenced is Casablanca, the 1942 romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.  The plot centers around love, war and the struggle to flee Nazi imprisonment through the last path of escape; Casablanca.  Though the film wasn’t meant for long time distinguished success it has become representative of a bygone era of classic films.  As many memorable movies do especially ones that already contain numerous references to liquor and drinking, Casablanca spawned a variety of cocktail recipes in its honor.  Though the movie is classic, the drinks cannot be labeled as such though are often referred to fondly as classic style recipes.

Casablanca

2-1/2 parts 10 Cane Rum

1/2 part Cointreau

1/2 part Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with lemon twist.  According to In the Land of Cocktails, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans serves a Casablanca Cocktail using gin.  The recipe is also easily mixable and definitely worth a good hard shake. 

More classic cocktails of interest may be found under the Classic Cocktails category on this site or in recent articles uncovering modern twists on classic and vintage cocktails as explored through Bacardi’s Legacy Cocktails and several offshoots of the modern classic, Cosmopolitan.  Classic cocktail recipes are a regular feature of The Intoxicologist site.  Contemporary versions of classics and cocktails created in the classic style will also be highlighted within the Classic Cocktails category here and on the National Cocktails Examiner page under Classic and Vintage.

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Not to be confused with the French 75 consisting of gin topped with champagne; this vintage cocktail recipe with Armagnac and Pernod Absinthe is taken from a page in Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails Deluxe Edition written by Ted Haigh, aka Dr. Cocktail.  Dr. Cocktail’s rendition calls for Calvados inclusion, but Armagnac has been used as a rather nice substitution. 

The 75

2 parts Armagnac

1 part Gin

1/4 part Homemade Grenadine

Wash glass with Pernod

Place ice in cocktail glass with approximately 1 teaspoon of Pernod.  Set aside.  Combine remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Swirl Pernod with ice to coat cocktail glass and discard Pernod soaked ice.  Strain contents of shaker into cocktail glass. 

The original recipe calls for 1/4 part Pernod rather than washing the glass with Pernod.  However, including the full measure called for overwhelms the cocktail leaving little more than the taste of absinthe with the remaining ingredients becoming less noticeable.  In this adaptation the hint of Pernod washed in the glass gives the aura of Pernod with slightest taste which lingers in a lovely way.  The cocktail recipe still hovers upon the sweet side, but contains a nice nutty blend with the Armagnac inclusion. 

Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails Deluxe Edition by Ted Haigh would make a wonderful holiday gift for the classic cocktail lover on your gift giving list this season.  Depending upon where you purchase, this book retails for approximately $20. 

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Last week a new cocktail creation contest rolled out on The Intoxicologist Facebook page: Scotch.  Participants were invited to create a simply made cocktail using five ingredients or less.  Participants were welcome to use scotch of their preference, but I would be recreating the cocktails with Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch and Grant’s Blended Scotch. 

When I stopped in at a local bar & restaurant, Boiler Room, that serves fabulous old style cocktails this past weekend, the bartender asked if I’d like to try a Scotch cocktail he had been playing around with for the new cocktail menu; the Bobby Burns.  Bobby Burns isn’t new, but Chris put a great new spin on it with the inclusion of barely there allspice rim that he and the chef worked out.  There is also a little fiddling with the ingredient ratios that make Bobby Burns a Boiler Room knock out.

Bobby Burns – Chris, Boiler Room – Omaha, NE

2 parts Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch

1-1/2 part Carpano Antica Formula

1/4 part Benedictine

Lemon Twist

Allspice

Combine Glenfiddich, Carpano and Benedictine in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir until chilled.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Dip fresh lemon strip twist into fresh allspice.  Rub lemon twist with allspice around rim of cocktail glass and place twist in cocktail. 

Chris’ take on the Bobby Burns cocktail flavors out fabulously with allspice rounding out the deal.  The aroma lures one in for the first sip.  Carpano Antica Formula creates an excellent sounding board for the Glenfiddich Scotch.  Benedictine leaves just enough spice in the finish.  The kicker here is the allspice.  It definitely begins the cocktail and seals the deal beginning to end. 

After tasting through entries for the scotch cocktail creation contest Bob Stafford’s, My Darling, took winning place.  There were a handful of great entries, but My Darling kept the integrity of Scotch flavor in mind and simplicity for duplication at the same time. 

My Darling – Bob Stafford

1-1/2 parts Grant’s Blended Scotch*

1/2 part Cointreau

1/2 part Plymouth Sloe Gin

1/2 part Fresh Squeezed Clementine Juice

2 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker filled 1/2 way with ice. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass.  Rub rim of glass with a Clementine twist and garnish drink with the twist. *Bob used Johnnie Walker Black Blended Scotch Whisky

This cocktail rang out a little sweeter than my preferred taste for cocktails, especially Scotch cocktails – however My Darling plays to the strengths of Scotch rather than cover it up.  This is a great cocktail for someone who wants to play with the flavor of Scotch without going hard core straight on the rocks. 

Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Holiday Contest Recipes contains winners from the last cocktail contest hosted on The Intoxicologist Facebook page.  There are some fabulous drink recipes contained within that slideshow for the holidays including one with eggnog.  Currently there is a Hot Brew contest going on through Friday, November 20.  Join in the fun on The Intoxicologist Facebook page.

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Armagnac Castarède Tasting Notes:

Straw to golden color.  Soft nut flavor with hints of ripened fruit, possibly faint floral in the finish.  Light in consistency, delicately sweet with nut skin lingering on the tongue.  Beautiful spirit!  Easily sipped as is, with a single cube to melt gracefully at will or in superbly built cocktails meant to highlight its wonderful qualities.

14 Juillet – Good Spirits by A.J. Rathbun

1-1/2 ounce Castarede Armagnac VSOP

1 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.

This classic style martini plays upon the flavor of the Armagnac nicely.  A little of the nut tone is allowed to show through under the orange and lemon balance.  I like this one.  It reminds me of simple, well built classic cocktails.  Definite drink recipe to add to your repertoire of must try cocktails, especially during the holiday season.   

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Armagnac Castarède is part of the Classic & Vintage Portfolio of Handcrafted, Artisanal Gem Spirits