Cocktail No 12 Sheep's Head

Don't be put of by the macabre name, this is just a variation on the Manhattan family. Bourbon based, but adding sweetness and herbal aromatics through Rosso Vermouth and a teaspoon of Bénédictine. Finished of with a twist of lemon to infuse with those wonderful citrus oils.

Tastewise, apart from the similarity to the Manhattan's its a little difficult to characterise. Its actually very well balanced, so nothing strongly stands out as a dominant note, but that is actually a good thing. The Rosso is definitely present. If you know the ingredients you can identify each one, although the Bourbon is surprisingly masked, but I am not sure I could have identified them from a blind tasting.

Recipe

Add 1 & 1/2  measures of Bourbon Whisky to a mixing glass with 1/2 measure Rosso Vermouth (careful not to over do this) and 1 teaspoon of Bénédictine with ice. Stir and strain into a small tumbler, or in my case one of the 2 remaining wine goblets from my parents' wedding gifts.

Twist a piece of lemon peel to release the citrus oils and drop on top. Decorate with a Cocktail Cherry.

Enjoy.

Cocktail No 2 Red Shadow

Late home after driving most of the day called for an whisky based cocktail to start the night.

Red Shadow is a sweet & sour mix. First impressions is of overwhelming sweetness and powerful cherry - better palates than mine may be able to detect the blend of apricot and cherry, but I can't. Then the lemon juice kicks in to lift it and give it bite. The whisky was masked as a separate flavour but definitely there in the body of the drink.

Overall, a little sweet for me, but then I am more a sour than sweet tooth. I think it will appeal very much to those who prefer sweetness with a bit of bite. Ensuring it is very chilled will also help.

Put 3-4 ice cubes in cocktail shaker.

Add 1 measure Whisky, 1/2 measure Apricot Brandy and 1/2 measure Cherry Brandy with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (personally I would increase this).

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Drink whilst still chilled.

Enjoy.