A cocktail in memory of Frank Zappa (https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/december/04) is ironic, given he was sober as a church mouse & viewed alcohol as something that seemed to give people an excuse to act like jerks

Was concerned that sweet vermouth would overpower/mask the Irish whiskey & liqueur*, so I subbed Bianco**. To my taste, Cynar was a bit too forward so I subbed Nonino on my 2nd go at it. Adding a smidge of verjus brought it to life. Will use my riff as a template with other liqueurs***.

* Sexton, in my case
** Vittore, in my case
*** indeed, I used this as a template with Menaud Camerise. It's not terribly sweet, so I upped it to 3/4 oz to to bring the fruit forward. Cocktail was moreish :)

Nutty & toffee notes indeed :)
Had to sub Lustau's Don Nuno Oloroso because no fino on hand & Carpano Bianco. Used Cote Des Saints a navy strength gin from Quebec (it's v. nice).
Though I had to sub all the recommended ingredients for as close as I could get using what I have, I would make this cocktail again in a heartbeat. Excellent!

It's *far* better with the same measure of sudachi juice in lieu of lime juice