sun rays illuminate smoke filled haze

1 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
1 1/4 oz Laphroaig 10 Year Scotch
3/4 oz Averell Damson Plum Gin Liqueur
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
3/4 oz Honey Syrup (1:1)

Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with 1-2 oz Victory Golden Monkey Beer and add a straw.

For my second drink at Russell House Tavern last week, I was lured in by a beer cocktail, Sun Rays Illuminate Smoke Filled Haze. The drink was created by bar manager Aaron Butler who named it after a lyric from Matisyahu's song "Aish Tamid." While I was not sure which of the ingredients the sun rays were here, I knew that the Laphroaig Scotch would not fail in bringing the smoke quotient to the table. I was also curious to try a drink with the new Damson Gin which is similar to British sloe gin but made with a relative of the sloe plum grown in America.

In the Sun Rays, the Scotch contributed greatly to the drink's aroma. The sip was crisp, carbonated, and filled with lemon and Lillet's citrus flavors. The swallow started with the plum notes, and this was followed by the smokey Scotch and lastly a honey finish. Indeed, the Scotch and beer paired just as well here as they did in No. 9 Park's Morning Glory Fizz variation.