Moonriver Bar #46 - Three Four Three

While out on the wine run (really, we should just buy a case - where's my sponsorship, Stella?), I passed by two opportunities.  These bottles have been ones I've taken note of; one out of pure curiosity, the other out of academic experimentation.  The former was Johnnie Walker's White Walker Scotch.  Johnnie Walker is no stranger to Game Of Thrones, sporting an impressive array of custom scotches for the titular families and themes.  But something about the fact that the White Walker is intended to be frozen first, then sipped as it thaws in order to activate and release its layered flavors, made me Hunter's Mark that bottle for the future.  
  With its price more manageable today, I snagged it, along with a liqueur that has been popping up in my recipe books: 43 Licor.  The latter here is something that tastes and smells strongly of amaretto, but with a citrus vibe and something very smooth.  43 is a Spanish liqueur of vanilla and citrus herbs, best enjoyed in coffee, milk, and chocolate.  Despite its sweetness, it's no joke, clocking in at a whopping 62 proof - yet you could never tell with how smooth it is.  Curious, I decided to take it for a spin 4 ways and see what I can learn.

43 Coffee

RECIPE
3/4 oz 43 Licor
3/4 oz Kamora

TASTING NOTES
+ Gloriously sweet.
+ There is a citrus smokiness to this.
+ Definitely home for a cream addition, like milk or half and half.
+ I see why the classic Spanish rendition of this liqueur involves espresso, milk, and 43 licor.  Because it's damn tasty.
+ ...but I need something with a bit more bite to cut through.

A Lemon Rose

RECIPE
1/2 oz Wild Moon Rose Liqueur
1/2 oz 43 Licor
1/2 oz Lemon Juice

TASTING NOTES
+ The lemon juice and Rose liqueur are a beautiful match and I am here for it.
+ Oddly, the 43 pales in comparison to that pairing.
+ This is a great foundation to try something new...later.

43 Captains

RECIPE
1/2 oz 43 Licor
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

TASTING NOTES
+ This might be another strange instance where the Captain murders someone.
+ ...and not in a good way.
+ I'm not joking.
+ The addition of the Captain kills the 43.  Immediately.
+ I'm drinking muddled lemon juice.  Tipsy Lemon Juice.  
+ Glorified.  Tipsy.  Lemon.  Juice.

One More Experiment

With the research of 43 Licor rattling around in my head, I recall many instances of Blueberry flavors, so I now endeavor to include this soul in the next batch.

RECIPE
1/2 oz 43 Licor
1/2 oz Blueberry Liqueur
1/2 oz Stella Rosa Pink
1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur

TASTING NOTES
+ STELLA ROSA WORKS SO WELL WITH BLUEBERRY.  Just sayin'.  
+ The 43 again takes a backseat.
+ Hard to go wrong with Raspberry and the Pink wine.
+ Lovely, and almost TOO sweet.

All in all, the 43 feels a lot like a fruity amaretto, both in profile and function.  It's a decent stand in and a real banger in almost any soda.  I'll definitely be using it in my coming recipes, stay tuned.
-Adamus