Night Watch
For telling time after dark
An ideal toast to this masterpiece of mechanics might be one which references another masterpiece, perhaps by a Renaissance master named Rembrandt.
Officially named “Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq” (also known as “The Shooting Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch”) and completed in 1642 by Rembrandt van Rijn, the more commonly known “Night Watch” is one of the most famous paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.
You can see this colossal painting for yourself at the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and marvel at the almost life-sized people, the use of light and shadow, and the groundbreaking (for its time) use of motion and action.
Referencing this painting to toast the Stickman Checkmate Box would clearly be ideal for a number of reasons. There is the aforementioned comparison to a Renaissance piece, by another master of his art, as the starting point. The name of this painting in particular, “Night Watch”, is also a play on words for a game of chess.
I shouldn’t have needed to spell that out, but I didn’t want you to miss it.
Finally, the two central characters in the painting are strikingly contrasted in black and white, like the two opposing sides in a chess game.
Not included in this fine list but secretly relevant to my own sense of humor is the fact that this painting is named after Captain Cocq. I wonder if his soldiers dared call him that to his face.
Night Watch by Jessica Gonzalez
Which brings us to the Night Watch cocktail by New York’s Jessica Gonzalez, an award winning mixologist who gained fame at Death and Company where she created this delicious and satisfying night cap.
She recounts that while many of her colleagues enjoy naming drinks they create after songs or movies, she prefers works of art. Her drink
starts with a base of Old Tom gin, an old style of gin which bridges the gap between the original Dutch genever (the forerunner of modern gin, with a heavily malted composition) and dry London style gin.
This gives the drink a mellower gin flavor which lets the other components shine through.
These include the delicious East India Solera sherry and the potent Cruzan Black Strap rum.
Flavors of molasses, raisin, juniper and spice mingle for a very special sip.
The addition of some Stickman Bitters would be absolutely perfect in this drink, if you happen to have any handy.
If not, Angostura will do just fine.
Here’s to clever castling, precise promotion, and enigmatic en passant. Checkmate – cheers!
Nighty Knight
Night Watch by Jessica Gonzalez
1 ½ oz Ransom Old Tom gin
½ oz Cruzan Black Strap rum
¾ oz Lustau East India Solera sherry
1 tsp simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a knight watch.