A great interplay of smokiness, tobaccoiness and the tart flavours of Vermouth. The cherry liqueur does not become dominant, but carries and buffers the other flavours with the necessary sweetness. The absinthe then provides even more booziness, but together with the saltiness of the mezcal also a kick and even more complexity. Speaking of alcohol, it does the drink good to be stirred a little longer, it can take some melting water. You have to be a little careful that it doesn't get too sweet.
I made it with Thomas Henry. The result was a very drinkable, comparatively thick, intense drink. Appleton 12 Rare Casks was rather restrained and somewhat masked by the ginger beer. Havana Club 7 anos was incredibly good with coffee and caramel notes and a bit more sweetness. Go for a young rum, the indication here of 6-8 years is pretty good. And I recommend, really try it with the Havana Club 7 anos. Dave Brooms's recommends it for mixing with ginger beer in "Rum. The Manual" and he es right.