alcatraz

1 1/2 oz Tequila Ocho Añejo (Lunazul Reposado)
3/4 oz Lustau Oloroso Sherry
1/2 oz Suze Gentian Liqueur
1/4 oz Del Maguey Mezcal Vida (Sombra)
1 bsp Agave Nectar
2 dash Fee's Chocolate Bitters (Bittermens Mole)

Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

Two Fridays ago, the same Difford's Guide article that contained the Youth & Treachery had a recipe from Gaz Regan's 101 Best New Cocktails 2015 called the Alcatraz. I then sought out the original from Regan and learned that it was crafted by Christin Wagner at La Petite Grocery in New Orleans. Overall, the combination of agave, sherry, and gentian liqueur has worked well in drinks like the L'Année du Mexique and Cesare, so I was definitely interested in trying this one out.
Once prepared, the Alcatraz shared an orange oil over tequila aroma. Next, rich grape notes filled the sip, and the swallow began with agave and a hint of smoke melding into nutty, chocolate, and gentian-herbal flavors on the tail end. Like the Youth & Treachery, agave spirits and gentian liqueur are indeed a great pairing.