PANDA Cocktail 020: Forced Connection by Nick Vrielink at Fitz's Bar Amsterdam

Thanks to NBC, I have more targets now! This cocktail is created by the Nick Vrielink, the NCC champion for three consecutive years.

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
—William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2

During my time at ACW, I heard some grumblings about Nick winning the NCC championship three years in a row. People had different opinions: some said the rules supposedly don’t allow anyone to win more than twice consecutively, while others suggested that Nick, being trained by NBC, received special attention. All these rumors piqued my curiosity about Nick. Of course, I understand where they’re coming from. In high-level cocktail competitions like this, where everyone is so skilled and the margins of difference are razor-thin, it’s natural for there to be some dissatisfaction, regardless of who wins or loses. So, is Nick really as good as his title suggests? Is he the real deal, deserving of his success? That naturally became one of my points of focus.

I have to say, limiting bartenders to using a specific spirit already makes cocktail creation more challenging, testing their skills. If the spirit in question is Baijiu—a complex, lesser-known liquor—then the difficulty level goes even higher. And if you also have to name the cocktail first, then create a drink that perfectly aligns with that name in just one sip… well, that’s on a whole other level!

So, before I meet with Nick, this three-time champion, I’ve decided to come up with the cocktail name I want in advance!

Sorry in advance, Nick!

Baijiu + Cycling = Forced Connection

To be honest, I might be the first baijiu distiller / sommelier visiting liquor stores, promoting baijiu, and challenging cocktail bartenders on bicycle. Baijiu and bicycle are totally separate things. I love cycling, and I love Baijiu, then I do it. For me, it is natural; for most of people it is not natural.

Some people think I’m a clever marketer, using cycling to attract attention; others think I’m just a madman, going through all that effort while lugging around bottles of Baijiu. Honestly, I’ve never really thought about it that way. I simply love cycling. Not only is it healthier, but sometimes it’s actually quicker than taking the train, cheaper and more eco-friendly than driving a car. And most importantly, the scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful! You meet so many kind-hearted people on the road—something many people miss out on. The more you ride, the more you fall in love with it.

Some Dutch people no longer appreciate the beauty of the Netherlands any more, only because they were born and raised here, they didn't know the worse situation anywhere else. In Chinese, this is called "生在福中不知福"(being blessed but unaware of it).

So, Baijiu and Cycling together seem a Forced Connection! Then, let's find out what is the beauty of Forced Connection!

Nick Improvising

I ran with my Baijiu Case to catch up the train to Amsterdam, then transferred at Amstel to Weesperplein, then walked in the rain to Fitz's Bar, which is located in a hotel called Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park.

After taking care of the earlier guests, Nick came over to join me in preparing the cocktail.

Step 1: Dive into the essentials of Baijiu.
Step 2: Tasting and evaluating Shuntun Baijiu.
Step 3: Conceptualize the cocktail.
Step 4: Time to create!

Cocktail Name

Forced Connection

Appearance

The cocktail presents a warm amber color, reminiscent of polished wood or deep golden honey, inviting you with its rich hue and glowing depth. The twisted orange peel garnish adds a bright and vibrant accent, hinting at the citrusy undertones that lie within.

Nosing

On the nose, the cocktail reveals a rich bouquet dominated by smooth chocolate and honey aromas. The sweetness of the honey balances the deep, slightly bitter notes of the chocolate, creating a complex and alluring fragrance. Underneath, there are subtle layers of herbs and spices from the Vermouth and Fernet Branca, adding to the depth of the nose.

Tasting

Upon tasting, the cocktail delivers a wonderfully smooth and well-rounded experience. The initial flavor is velvety, with notes of cocoa from the Crème de Cacao blending harmoniously with the Baijiu, which has been softened to reveal a gentle sweetness. The sweetness is well-balanced, never overpowering, and the texture is silky, coating the palate beautifully. Hints of herbal bitterness from the Fernet Branca and the complexity of the Vermouth di Torino add dimension to the drink, making it a delightfully rich yet balanced cocktail.

Recipe

• Baijiu: 35ml

• Crème de Cacao à la Vanille: 10ml

• Vermouth di Torino: 10ml

• Fernet Branca: 5ml

• Garnish: Twisted orange peel

Comments: This cocktail is a true example of balancing strong, bold ingredients with a delicate touch, resulting in a drink that’s rich in flavor yet smooth in texture, a perfect Forced Connection.

Afterwords

PANDA has always demonstrated a strong framework-oriented approach. Therefore, when it comes to assessing whether Nick Vrielink is truly a master of cocktails, based on PANDA's current lack of established evaluative criteria, Nick Vrielink is indeed a cocktail master. Here’s why:

1. Creating within limitations: He excels in crafting cocktails even when constrained by specific ingredients or themes.
2. Balancing challenging spirits: He has the skill to balance the flavors of highly challenging spirits in cocktails. For instance, making a vodka cocktail is far simpler than crafting one with Baijiu, which is no small feat.
3. Unifying text, flavor, and atmosphere: Nick achieves harmony between the cocktail’s name, its taste, and the atmosphere it evokes—this is a level of mastery that requires exceptional talent.

In essence, it’s one thing to walk into a liquor store, grab any materials, and whip up a cocktail—it’s like shooting randomly and hitting the target wherever it lands. But when you’re given specific ingredients and a name, and then tasked with creating a cocktail that aligns with the essence of that name—that’s precision, a true hit on target. The difference in skill level is immense. As of now, PANDA’s 20 Baijiu cocktails are all exceptional, each representing a unique play on flavors and philosophies.