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Hoo boy, this was certainly a trip. I used Hernös Old Tom, and Casa Mariol for the red vermouth, and what I got was a flavour explosion. The front is juniper forward, carried by the Maraschino, which is then taken over by bitters and vermouth. On the finish you get almost a gingerbread character to it. All this while always being balanced. Definitely a recommendation!
Tried a side by side comparison of the London dry and Old Tom Martinezes. This was easily the winner for me based on depth and complexity. I swapped the dry vermouth and Luxardo measures on this occasion to balance more towards dryness, and was happy with the result.
Wonderfully rich and full bodied, brimming with old world charm. Just the right amount of spice, zest and dryness to keep it from being cloying. The layering opened up further as it warmed in the glass. Outrageously, I ran short on Luxardo so added a quarter spoon of jar juice, which was fine. Slipped down very easily and could easily have an encore.
Based on the comments, it looks like this recipe has changed over time. I just made it with 50 ml Hayman's Old Tom, 20 ml Dolin Rouge, 7.5 ml Luxardo Maraschino, 5 ml Dolin Dry, 1 dash Angostura Bitters, 1 dash Orange Bitters, 1 drop 4:1 saline solution, orange zest twist discarded. This is really interesting. Spicier and more bitter than I anticipated, but there's a sweetness to balance things out. Fairly intense overall, but the balance and complexity keep you sipping.
Not a patch on the Genever/Curacao variant in my opinion, this one is too sweet. If you're really keen on OT gin, dial down or omit the Maraschino altogether.
Didn’t quite come out for me. I love Hayman’s old Tom, but might be too sweet for this - added an extra splash of dry vermouth. And slightly Luxardo heavy for me… hmm..
Absolutely stunning, no dry vermouth so i used the Noilly Prat Extra dry, still works very well, also added a fresh twist with the cherry again gives it a citrus high note
Ransom Old Tom more or less completely takes over in this and it's fantastic. Quite a different angle compared to my (until now?!) preferred version with the genever and Curacao.
Try this with Boatyard Old Tom Missing Link matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks
It’ll blow your mind. If there was a six on the scale it would deserve it.
Didn’t quite work for me. I think the Maraschino put the spoke
in the wheel for me. I will try dropping it to 5ml. The idea of chocolate bitters sounds interesting.
This remains my favorite Martinez variation, though I use chocolate bitters in place of Angostura bitters. The chocolate and cherry really sing. Give it a try!
One of those "eh" drinks for me, neither bad nor great, definitely drinkable, but I won't be in a rush to make it again. Made with Hayman's Old Tom and Dolin vermouth. I might try the simplified version to see how it compares.
Used 2nd recipe with OT gin from Tonik Distillery, Cocchi Torino for sweet vermouth, Luxardo's Marascino (unfortunately, there's nothing better available for purchase where I am) & Bittercube's Trinity bitters.
Nicely balanced albeit boozy. Right up my alley! :)
I made this like the original version and it was a bit sweet upfront but quickly changed to dry finish. I made it a second time but changed it to 1/2 oz. Dolin dry and 1/2 oz. Dolin Rouge and it seemed a bit more balanced/ not as sweet upfront with a bit dryer finish which I liked. It still retained some of the the sweetness but not as much as the original.