Prime Inspector

 

Story

I always have trouble remembering where the Negroni fits into the “6 basic cocktail” classification constructed by Gary Regan in The Joy of Mixology.  The martini/Manhattan category is its home, since it’s (spirit + fortified wine + bitters), but it’s hard for me to remember because it’s very much its own thing.  The Prime Inspector is a Negroni variant, even though every component has been subbed out for another that plays its role. The core spirit is apple brandy, a barrel-aged spirit that retains a fruity quality under the oak. Averna Amaro bring in the bitterness that Campari would provide, while Punt e Mes is a type of vermouth that’s darker and has more fruit notes than a standard sweet vermouth. Peychaud’s is not my go-to bitters, but anise is subdued here while the spice and fruit notes come to the fore.  Mitchell Taylor created this drink while at the Nashville branch of New York’s Attaboy.  The Prime Inspector is dark, fruity, and bitter with none of the vermouth aftertaste that sometimes puts me off.  I prefer calvados apple brandy rather than Applejack because it’s extra smooth.  Cheers!

Recipe

1 oz apple brandy (calvados or Laird’s Applejack 86)
1 oz Punt e Mes
1 oz Averna Amaro
Orange twist (or brandied cherry if you prefer)
-Stir ingredients with ice.  Strain into rocks glass with fresh ice. Express orange twist and garnish.