🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 018: Farewell to Dorian - Dorian Den Haag
Farewell to Dorian
City: Den Haag, Netherlands
Den Haag, the city where history whispers through every street and alley. The grandeur of centuries-old architecture stands tall against the backdrop of a thriving modern city. In the heart of it all lies the Old City Hall, built in 1565, a silent witness to the passage of time. Beneath its ancient stones, a hidden world of craft and mystery exists—Dorian, a speakeasy that blends the elegance of the past with the innovation of the present.
Mixologist: Mateo from Italy
Mateo, a master of his craft, hails from the sun-kissed landscapes of Italy. His journey as a mixologist brought him to Den Haag, where he has spent years perfecting the art of balance, drawing from his heritage and the diverse influences he encountered along the way. At Dorian, Mateo found a stage that allowed him to experiment with bold, unique flavors, creating drinks that linger in the memory long after the last sip.
Bar: Dorian, Den Haag
This bar has very special atmosphere.
Dorian is more than just a bar; it is a moment in time, a place where the past meets the present. Nestled in the basement of the Old City Hall, the speakeasy atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, the dim lighting casting long shadows on the stone walls. The bar is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life, a place where every drink tells a story. But like all great stories, Dorian's time is drawing to a close, a victim of operational challenges. Soon, its doors will shut for the last time, leaving behind only memories.
Cocktail Analysis: Farewell to Dorian
Appearance:
The cocktail is a pale golden elixir, luminous in the dim light of the speakeasy. The liquid catches the light just so, revealing subtle hues of amber and gold—a reflection of the bar's timeless elegance. The simplicity of its presentation belies the complexity within, with no garnish to distract from the purity of the drink.
Nosing:
The aroma is a captivating blend of the familiar and the exotic. The Baijiu introduces a faint, earthy note, almost smoky, that mingles with the sweet, fortified wine character of Pineau des Charentes. The Suze Liquor adds a bitter edge, its gentian root essence creating a contrast to the sweet notes, while the Mastiha offers a whisper of pine and resin, reminiscent of Mediterranean forests. The citric acid solution cuts through, adding a sharp, clean scent that ties everything together.
Tasting:
The first sip is a journey across the palate. The Baijiu provides an immediate, distinctive punch, its bold flavor tempered by the rich, sweet warmth of Pineau des Charentes. The bitterness of Suze follows, adding depth and complexity, while the Mastiha lingers in the background, its subtle anise-like flavor providing a hint of sweetness. The citric acid solution ensures the cocktail remains crisp, balancing the sweetness and bitterness with a refreshing acidity. The overall experience is one of bittersweet harmony, much like the emotions tied to the bar’s impending closure.
Inspiration:
"Farewell to Dorian" is a tribute to the ephemeral nature of time and place. This cocktail, like the bar itself, is a blend of history and innovation, crafted to honor the legacy of a space that has seen countless stories unfold. Mateo's Italian roots and his time in Den Haag come together in this drink, capturing the essence of Dorian—a place where every sip tells a tale, now destined to become a cherished memory.
Home Preparation of Farewell to Dorian
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Shuntun Baijiu
- 25 ml Pineau des Charentes
- 20 ml Suze Liquor
- 10 ml Mastiha Liqueur
- 5 ml Citric Acid Solution (a mixture of 10% citric acid in water)
Instructions:
- Prepare the glass: Chill a classic glass by filling it with ice water. Discard the ice water just before serving.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the Baijiu, Pineau des Charentes, Suze Liquor, Mastiha Liqueur, and the citric acid solution.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to ensure it is well chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Serve: Serve the cocktail neat with a crystal clear ice, with simple garnish, allowing the complexity of the flavors to speak for themselves.
"Farewell to Dorian" encapsulates the spirit of a bar that will soon be no more—a reminder that while places may fade, the memories and flavors we carry with us remain, preserved in each carefully crafted drink.
