Alana Landsberry
An adeptly prepared whisky cocktail might be the best complement to a crisp evening beside a crackling fire. The notion of tempering whisky with sweetness, namely sweet vermouth, first appeared in the 1880s with origins tied to the Manhattan Club in New York City’s Theater District. The Manhattan cocktail, made with bourbon, birthed the Rob Roy, calling for Scotch whisky, which would evolve into the more herbal Bobby Burns that Dana Whyte, co-owner of Adelaide’s Clever Little Tailor feels fits the bill as days shorten.
Adapting the Bobby Burns to Australian tastes is merely one more change to an often disputed recipe. A 1931 mention in Old Waldorf Bar Days, for instance, calls it the Robert Burns, which includes orange bitters and absinthe. “We use Mackintosh Blended Scotch Malt – a blend of Highland and Speyside malts, lightly sherried and round on the palate,” says Whyte. “The drink is still strong – but a good quality Italian vermouth is delicious so we want to ensure it isn’t overpowered by the Scotch. We use a house blend of vermouths, incorporating bitterness from Punt E Mes, and vanilla and rhubarb tones of Mancino’s Ross di Torino. These meld perfectly with the Mackintosh.”
The original’s splash of Benedictine brings herbaceousness, while the additional bitter adds complexity. “The splash of Peychaud’s is complementary, highlighting herbal notes but with a bitter gentian base,” adds Whyte.
How to make Dana Whyte’s Bobby Burns cocktail recipe
In a chilled mixing glass, combine 30ml Scotch, 30ml Italian red vermouth, 15ml Dom Benedictine, 2 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters. Top with ice, stir for a minute until 10% dilution. Strain into a frozen coupe glass and garnish with orange peel.
Three blended Scotch whiskies to try
Mackintosh Scotch Whisky
A friendly and smart whisky combining Highland and Speyside malts with premium grains lightly matured in ex-Sherry casks for rich honey, vanilla and oak notes.
$90 for 700ml, monacellars.com.au
Compass Box Glasgow Blend
Rich with maritime smoke and salinity from Islay whisky, expect dark fruit and warming spice from a peated Scotch with high malt content and texture.
$106 for 700ml, mscellars.com.au
Old Perth The Original
One of Scotland’s oldest distilling families revived this lost blend, bringing back to life a unique flavour profile of dried fruit and dark chocolate. Perfect for sipping.
$109 for 700ml, liquorwinecave.com.au
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