Racquet Club Cocktail

I just received Bluecoat's limited edition Barrel Finished Reserve gin and decided to make a cocktail that did it justice. No juice, no garnish:--just you and the gin. That's where barrel aged gin shows it's merits. You can taste the vanilla from the oak and lots of pepper, which goes well with vermouth.

I'm really liking the craft American gin revival with the pre-prohibition styles. Bluecoat's barrel aged version is not as malty as some, but works perfectly in a classic Martinez or (nix the sweet vermouth for) drinks like this one. A barrel aged gin is a luxury to have on a small bar. It occurred to me that there are products out there that are necessary--an easy-mixing blended whiskey, or a crisp dry gin for your tonic. Then there are real luxuries that come in small barrels. Bluecoat's Barrel Reserve is one of the latter. A perfect opportunity to take us back to lost gin styles and forgotten cocktails that called for them.

Here's the Racquet Club Cocktail recipe:

• 2 oz. gin
• 3/4 oz. dry vermouth
• dash orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.