Damn The Weather

This is a potent and tongue lashing cocktail for heavy weather. I've been waiting to make it when the mood or the spirits were right. When I got Icelandic Vor gin, I knew the time had come. Iceland is known for its chilly weather and pure water. They make delightful gin too!

Icelandic Vor is made with barley and locally grown juniper. These two flavors dominate this spirit, especially the barley. I don't know if it is malted, but the base is very close to how Copper Fox Vir Gin tastes--like it's not a neutral spirit at all. There's a bit of whiskey funk in it, and the higher proof (47%) means that there's a lot of intensity too.

One last note, I made this with Punt E Mes vermouth and the cocktail was mouth-smashingly bitter and herbal. You could do the same to get the effect, which was nice. But a London dry gin and French sweet vermouth would make a much tamer drink. Then again, when the weather is bad, why would you want to do that?

• 2 oz. gin (Icelandic Vor used)
• 1 tbsp. sweet vermouth (Punt E Mes used)
• 2 tsp. triple sec
• 1/2 oz. orange juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.