Quill

I'm surprised that I like the "Quill" as much as I do. I thought that with the absinthe I wouldn't rate the libation any higher than 2.5. The truth be told, however, I rated the "Quill" at 3.5. But doing so took some doing on my part: (1) I used a solid gin--Liberator gin, which is made by Valentine Distilling in Detroit; (2) I used a great absinthe--absinthe verte by St. George; and (3) Most surprising, I did not use one of my favorite sweet vermouths--Antica Formula--instead I used (with my fingers crossed) Cinzano Rosso because of its pronounced sweet and fruity flavors. And of course I threw in some Campari for good measure.

What I got was what I hoped for: a Negroni-like cocktail, somewhat sweet and somewhat bitter, with the absinthe flavor perceptible but in the background. I think the Cinzano accounts, to a great degree, for the success of my efforts. For sure, this is a libation for those who like the traditional Negroni AND who like to experiment. Go for it!