Note the close similarity to the Old Barrel, with the only difference being the increase in the amount of rye here. My point is that I think this version would be just fine over a large piece of ice, as is called for in the Old Barrel version.
The recipe, as written, has too much Benedictine. The sherry shows up too late... Reduced the Bene' to 10 ml and - YES! - now the drinks sings. This triumph even with the most spineless strong rye I've ever tried, Old Overholt 114. Can't imagine how far it could excel with a Rittenhouse or Dad's Hat.
Delightful cocktail! The spicy qualities are warm and sparkling, which I love. But I did use a couple of dashes of Cardamon bitters, reducing the Angostura, and it was magnificent.