Fantastic essay from @davidwondrich.bsky.social that does a great job of explaining how we got here and that we've been here before. I know my desire for cocktails that are more interesting than tasty has dropped a lot in the last couple of years.
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Yeah, but you and I also both know. A cocktail that isn't tasty isn't interesting. It's the new taste experience that makes the cocktail interesting, and a mediocre new taste experience that makes it a flash in the pan.
I disagree. I've had plenty of cocktails that were quite intellectually interesting without being tasty. "How'd they do THAT?" and "Oh, what a faithful flavor rendition of beef wellington this is!" I'm never going to order them more than once. They're interesting, but not enjoyable.
See, I would totally order a Beef Wellington cocktail again if it was well-balanced and flavorful. I might even be sad to see it leave the menu if it's too weird to live.
But something that's just creating a novel flavor for the sake of novelty? I will accept that's "interesting" but not a win.
And I've had some drinks that are both, like the Curry Barbados and Kiwi & Fernet from this menu. But I had to resist my urge to order the Bayside Boil, because as much as I wanted to taste it, I knew I didn't want to drink it.
That said, execution from this bar was excellent, and I actually trust that their weirder cocktails probably do hit that sweet spot where they are also great, and I'll be even more adventurous next visit.
Port of Call in Mystic, CT. It was fantastic. Food was awesome too. I want to go back with a group of people so we can order all the drinks and I can taste them all. Road trip? Weekend getaway?
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But something that's just creating a novel flavor for the sake of novelty? I will accept that's "interesting" but not a win.