I cut the Meletti to 1 oz for a 2:1 cognac/amaro ratio. This results in an acceptable sweetness and cola/caramel flavor. While pleasant enough to sip, there is not sufficient separation between the Pierre Ferrand Cognac (I used Ambre) and the Amaro Meletti to recommend this cocktail. It seems like a third contrasting component is missing that would otherwise complete this drink.

Interested to see how the Cruzan Rum with its blackstrap molasses and the hint of coffee and dark liquorice flavours within works together with the Bourbon.
Could you substitute the Cruzan with another Dark Rum? Would it effect the flavour?

Anyway cant wait to make and try this on the weekend!

The Cruzan is hard to substitute for; generally, I would use another dark rum (Gosling's or one of the Jamaicans will do) and perhaps add a touch of actual molasses to the drink.

In this particular case, another dark rum will work fine, although it won't make its presence known quite as much.

I'd think a scant ounce of dark rum plus a bar spoon of Lemon Hart 151 would work.

Thanks,

Zachary

Really enjoyed this. The (relatively) huge amount of Angostura balances nicely with the S&C.  Used Jerry Thiomas bitters as garnish; not the best choice as they're the same colour as the rest of the drink!

Loved it

Hmm.... which Falernum do you like here? I'd imagine that it'd need to be shaken to dissolve the stuff. Would the instructions be shake, pour into a copper mug, top with ginger beer and garnish?

Curated slightly - to fix the line break, I moved the description of the salt solution to the notes section. Do you have a recipe for the brine that you'd like to share?

Thanks for the assist, it is my first time posting here!

Brine is from a recipe on serious eats that I tweaked a little, and makes the most delicious pickles I've ever had!

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/08/garlic-dill-pickles.html

recipe as I made it:
1 1/2 cups white vinegar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups filtered water
4 tablespoons kosher salt
8 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup ish of fresh dill cut from stems
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 tablespoon red chili flakes

boil water, vinegar and salt until salt is dissolved. Pour over quartered cucumbers, garlic and other ingredients in a mason jar. Refrigerate for 1 week. Voila! Best pickles and brine ever.

Savoy and other sources call for a mix of sweet and dry vermouths in their Fourth Degrees, and in much more vermouth-heavy proportions than these.