Cocktail No 22 International

If you like the strong herbal taste of Chartreuse, this may appeal, if not I would steer clear. Its another one with complex flavours that develop. The initial taste at the front of the tongue is almost neutral and non-existant. Its almost a non-taste - even water has a taste.

Its as it rolls over the tongue that the flavours develop, first in the mid-part and then as it goes down the throat. The sweetness of the pineapple hits first and is them immediately swamped by the herbal Chartreuse and then a warmth from the combination of Brandy and Chartreuse. This is going to sound odd, but you can almost taste the warmth as a flavour. There is definitely a sensation of herbal taste, followed by physical warmth followed by a mellowing of the herbs.

I am starting to sound like one of the TV wine critics, but this one is quite hard to describe as it doesn't conform to normal taste patterns.

Interesting experience, but not one I am likely to repeat.

Recipe

Add 1 measure brandy to shaker with 1 measure of Green Chartreuse and 3/4 a measure of Pineapple Juice. Shake on ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Decorate with lemon wedge (I'd skip this - it adds nothing to flavour and gets in the way when you get to the bottom of the glass).