Level Up

1 oz Apple brandy, Lairds Bonded
1 oz Islay Scotch
3⁄4 oz Sweet vermouth, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
1⁄4 oz Nocino
1⁄4 oz Cynar
2 ds Chocolate bitters, Scrappy's Chocolate
1 twst Orange peel (as garnish)
Instructions

Stir; strain; up; garnish.

Notes

Here I used Macleod's Islay Scotch. If you're using a more aggressively peaty Scotch, you'll likely find a ratio of 3/4 Scotch to 1 1/4 apple brandy (or even 1/2 : 1 1/2) may be more balanced.

History

Winner of the Reddit Original Cocktail Competition - February 2023 (walnut and cocoa)

Cocktail summary
Picture of Level Up
Craig Eliason
Created by
Craig Eliason, Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA)
Year
2023
Is the
author's original creation
Reference

https://www.reddit.com/r/cocktails/comments/10ql2wp/original_cocktail_c…

Curator
Not yet rated
Average
4.5 stars
(3 ratings)
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From other users
  • Smooth and tasty.
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Comments

Quite nice. I used Laphroaig 10 yr Scotch, Il Mallo Nocino, and Fee Aztec chocolate bitters. There was peat up front, with an approachable blend of the chocolate raisin vermouth notes, Cynar bitterness, and black walnut. The apple brandy provided more of a support role, broadening the palate of the rest.