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66 / the tasting panel / october 2016 COVER STORY Midleton whiskies are refined and elegant expressions representing the very best of Irish whiskey potential." New York City's Death & Company carries a few of these SPS whiskies. Its Bar Director, Tyson Buhler, offers his two cents: "Redbreast has always been the standout for me. It's a really brilliant mix of malt flavor and the more 'raw' flavor of the barley that balances the whiskey beautifully. Combined with the aging process, this is one of the most well-balanced whiskies on the planet." We asked Buhler if he too craved whiskey when wearing a sweater. "The SPS whiskies are certainly great year-round, but the patience taken to age these great whiskies really adds the depth of flavor that's ideal for the colder months. Aromas of dried fruits, baking spices, nuts and citrus all create a warming flavor profile that we associate with fall and winter." Buhler adds, "We're currently pour- ing Redbreast 12 in an Old Fashioned variation that is bolstered with a touch of Islay malt whisky and sarsaparilla Demerara. This brings a wintergreen flavor that works very well with the Redbreast 12 Year." Although Kevin Denton, Pernod Ricard's National Mixologist, also likes an SPS, his cold weather recommenda- tions are a little different. "The early fall is a great time for Irish whiskey, particularly the recently released Jameson Cooper's Croze. The non- chill-filtered whiskey maintains a sweet vanilla impression from seasoned bourbon barrels. Rich fruit flavors and a fine balance of floral and spice notes from Sherry barrels round out its flavor—perfect for a dram after a game of flag football or sharing amongst friends during those first chilly nights of the fall. For cocktails—particularly steamed, hot cocktails—The Glenlivet Founders Reserve is a non-age-state- ment Scotch whisky that maintains its character when mixed with other ingre- dients. You'll definitely find me ladling out Hot Toddies made with Founder's Reserve around Thanksgiving. I like mine with chamomile and honey, as it amplifies those flavors in the whisky." Giuseppe González, Suffolk Arms owner and third-generation bartender in New York City, is a fan of The Glenlivet, too. Inside the cozy walls of the new bar, wooden pencil drawings of his favorite New Yorkers eavesdrop KEVIN DENTON'S SEASONAL COCKTAILS Halloween: Jameson Black Barrel Pumpkin Spice Mule ◗ 2 oz. Jameson Black Barrel ◗ ¾ oz. pumpkin spice syrup ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice Combine all ingredients in a copper mug with ice, top up with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and an anise pod. Christmas: Holiday Highball ◗ 2 oz. Lot 40 Rye ◗ ½ oz. Becherovka ◗ 1½ oz. cranberry juice Combine all ingredients with ice in a highball glass. Top with soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries. Thanksgiving: The Inevitable After-Turkey Nap ◗ 1½ oz. The Glenlivet Founders Reserve ◗ ¾ oz. vermouth bianco ◗ ¼ oz. elderflower liqueur Add all ingredients to a mug or heat-resistant glass. Stir in three ounces hot chamomile tea. Garnish with dried chamomile flowers.