For a second straight day, the power cuts out. The temperature refuses to dip as the sun drops. It’s the kind of evening that needs a cocktail, something stiff and cool. Thanks to some inspiration from a bottle of Talisker 10 Year Old, we cobble together the Intrepid Scotsman.
The Talisker 10 Year Old is one of the most versatile bottles of Single Malt out there. Its value is almost unmatched and its unique as there are only two distilleries on the Isle of Skye, where the Whisky is produced. It’s an excellent sipping Scotch filled with smoke without being overpowering and as it turns out it’s an excellent base spirit for cocktails.
The Intrepid Scotsman is a play on the Scotland the Brave cocktail and sits somewhere between a Manhattan and a Boulevardier. Florio Fernet Liqueur replaces the better known Fernet-Branca giving the drink a bit more depth along with expected herbal notes. We also use Mata Tinto Reserva Sweet Vermouth, as we find high quality Spanish Vermouth tends to improve basically everything when used instead of the big name varieties.
To note, this isn’t a drink for the weak of heart. It’s a built cocktail, which means there’s no messing around with shaking and there’s also no garnish involved. The entire thing is alcohol. Still, on a warm summer night without lights and the need for something cool that cuts away any lingering frustration, it’s tough to beat. Without further ado, here’s our recipe for The Intrepid Scotsman:
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- 0.75 oz Florio Fernet Liqueur
- 0.75 oz Mata Tinto Reserva Sweet Vermouth
- 0.5 oz Cointreau Orange liqueur
Add Talisker 10 Year Old, Floriot Fernet Liqueur, sweet Vermouth, and orange liqueur to a rocks glass. Put in one large ice cube and stir to desired temperature.