Cocktail No 58 - Alaska

The pic looks identical to the Martini Dry, but I promise it is a different drink - almost exactly the same concept though of an excess of gin with a minority of a herbal liquor. I didn't have Yellow Chartreuse in the house so substituted Green Chartreuse, which is stronger and less sweet.

The first thing to notice is the nose. The herbs in the Chartreuse come through loud and clear - can hardly smell the gin, though it is there in the background. There is a slight green tint to the drink. The first sip tells you immediately that this is nothing like a Martini Dry, even though it is the same concept and similar measure of gin to herbs. This is Chartreuse with adrenaline. Everything is there - the herbs, the bitters, the gin cutting through as an aftertaste.

It is a very particular drink - I suspect it has the Marmite factor - you either love it or hate it. Its not a sweet drink. Its not sour. It has a purity and cleanness - its going to sound crazy, but the alcohol has an impact like chilled vodka, even though its laced with herbs and bitters. The gin does not dominate, but it is there and changes the Chartreuse enormously.

Its definitely one to try - I like it. Have to get some Yellow Chartreuse to see how that works.

Recipe

3 parts Birkdale Gin
1 part Yellow or Green Chartreuse

Put ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

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).