Mr. Kurogoma

Kurogoma is the Japanese word for "black sesame", and indeed, this drink's most distinct flavor comes from a paste of black sesame seeds. It is unctuous, and tastes like tahini, or peanut butter, or something in between. Its color is an inky black, darker even than molasses.I knew I wanted to use whiskey for this drink, and I've been very satisfied to mix drinks with a bottle of Auchentoshan 10 year, lately. It is an affordable scotch with a light, assertive peatiness and a minimal amount of smoke.

From Scotch and sesame, it occurred to me that Drambuie would fit very nicely between them, as it matches whiskey for whiskey and honey for sesame.

Mr. Kurogoma (Beta)

2 oz Auchentoshan

.5 oz Drambuie

.5 oz Half and Half

2 heaping Tbs Kurogoma Spread

1 Dash Aromatic Bitters

Break up the sesame paste in the drink with your barspoon.

Dry shake, and then shake over ice.

Double strain into a coupe glass and float black sesame seeds on top.

This one made me think of Scotchy honey-nut cheerios. I slightly regret that added the half and half, as it dulled the flavor of the Drambuie, and disrupted the dark color. When I iterate on this, I will dial up the liqueur and remove the dairy. I also think the drink would be more interesting and coherent if the base spirit were a Japanese whiskey.

Cheers.