By Jillian Vose (Death & Co NYC, 2013)

Les Verts Monts

This is a great example of a “concept drink,” a cocktail that emerges from a single stroke of inspiration, rather than riffing on an established cocktail. Former head bartender Jillian Vose was a master of the concept drink; in developing Les Verts Monts she wanted to showcase the many ways grapes are used in booze in a stirred cocktail. This result is a one-of-a-kind cocktail that layers three kinds of brandy along with vermouth and sherry.

1 ounce Tariquet VS Classique Bas-Armagnac
¾ ounce Guillon-Painturaud Cognac Grande Champagne VSOP
¾ ounce Busnel VSOP Calvados
¾ ounce Dolin blanc vermouth
¼ ounce Alvear Festival pale cream sherry
¼ ounce maple syrup 
1 dash Angostura bitters 
Garnish: 1 lemon twist and 1 apple slice

Stir all the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Express the lemon twist over the drink and discard. Garnish with the apple slice.