Chancellor

Why This Recipe Works

Following the basic template of a “perfect” Manhattan (a variation on the Manhattan made with both sweet and dry vermouth), the Chancellor uses tawny port instead of sweet vermouth, and more significantly, uses Scotch for the whiskey of choice. It's not always easy to get Scotch to play well with others in a cocktail, as its peaty, barley-forward flavor profile can easily dominate, especially when it's the primary liquor. The dried-fruit and caramel flavors of tawny port paired beautifully with the smokier notes of the Scotch, however. Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that uses native grapes; it is aged in wooden casks for at least 3 years (and frequently much longer) before being released for sale, which contributes to its nutty, dried-fruit flavors and brick red–tinged hue. Dry vermouth, with its herbal profile, helped temper some of the port's sweetness, and a final touch of citrus bitters and an orange twist added bright seasoning to this complex, impressively delicious libation.