The Great Divide
The Great Divide by Kory Nguyen and Zulco Rodriguez
The Tornado Box is the work of two famous artists who live a world apart. For a toast to this legendary collaboration, I have something metaphorical to offer. The drink comes from the team at Anvil Bar and Refuge, Houston’s original source of cocktail inspiration and one of the best bars in America. It’s a nice parallel to this story, if you understand what makes a nationally award-winning bar attain such status. Of course, the drinks have to be good, but a “best bar” is also a training ground. Anvil’s rigorous program has educated, inspired and launched so many talented creators into the community over the past decade, who have gone on to open their own successful and award-winning programs locally and around the country.
A modern classic
The Great Divide, created by current Anvil team members Kory Nguyen and Zulco Rodriguez for the Spring 2021 menu, is a delicious scotch and amaro cocktail with an irresistible name. In this case the name is exceptionally metaphorical as a toast to these artists from two continents separated across the world, a concept that is literally echoed in the form and function of the box they created. Kory and Zulco were challenged to create a drink with just three ingredients from the backbar, and no infusions or syrups, which could stand up as a modern classic. They wanted to create something whiskey based that was simple, herbal and floral and reminded them of spring. Zulco selected Tomatin whisky, self-proclaimed as the “softer side of the Highlands”. Founded in 1897, the distillery, situated on the Speyside border, was once the largest in all of Scotland. It is currently owned by Takara Shuzo, a Japanese company, making it perhaps a perfect scotch to toast with a Japanese puzzle box. The citrus and spice forward whisky balances well with the other compliment to the drink, Braulio amaro, an Italian alpine style bitter that both bartenders liked and wanted in the cocktail. Kory also knew he wanted chocolate, which is a perfect compliment to the mint and citrus flavors. Here’s to joining the best of the world together, across the great divide. Cheers!
Devine devisions
The Great Divide by Kory Nguyen and Zulco Rodriguez
2 oz Tomatin 12 Yr
¾ oz Braulio
2 barspoons Tempus Fugit crème de cacao
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Orange peel wrapped cherry garnish