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Campari is not really my favorite, although it does fare very well in many drinks. This is the first one I tried with Campari being the lead singer. Wow, it really rocked!
4.5/5
Very good balance, nothing gets left behind. Campari forward but it amazingly doesn't overpower. The only problem is I have other cocktails with each of the amaros that I would prefer over the combo, but still a good one to pull out from time to time especially to shock the inexperienced.
My tour goes on: This has always been a little lacking. What made it a 5+ cocktail for me, is the addition of Cynar 70.
Cynar 70 is really good stuff. I highly recommend it. Where the regular Cynar feels a little thin, this one is intense, much deeper and full bodied. Has hints of menthol, licorice and even a fruit stew, wine-like nose. And much more pronounced artichoke aroma. Cough syrup also comes to mind (but in the good ways) ;-)
Also try the Midnight Marauder and the Cin-Cyn with it!
Definitely Campari-forward, and how could it not be? As others have mentioned, this is a drink that rewards patience. I get herbal notes from the gin and vermouth, and a bit of mint from the Fernet. The one element that does get a bit lost is the Cynar. Overall a very good drink for a specific mood.
Fernet overly strong for me, but maybe I’m particularly responsive to the mintiness in it. Surprisingly well balanced. I’d by tempted to dial it back a little and use a navy strength gin as per the original.
I didn't have Cynar, but substituted Zucca Rabarbaro amaro. A complex cocktail that softened some as it warmed up. Based on the comment on pairing with cheddar, I tried it with a nice alpine cheese and nuts, and it was very good indeed. I'll definitely make again.
An excellent digestif. I can’t believe I had no Cynar in the cabinet tonight (I could swear I bought some last week…), but the sub of Gran Classico didn’t hurt the drink. I will certainly not Pooh-Pooh this cocktail.
4.5/5