On The Rocks Japanese Boulevar

Japanese Boulevar comes from On The Rocks and is made in Massachusetts. It is listed as a liqueur. The name points to a Japanese-leaning take on the Boulevardier, the classic of whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari. The product details don't include a tasting profile, ABV or ingredient list, so the notes below describe what that style usually delivers, not measured facts about this bottle. A Boulevardier-style drink typically has a bittersweet, amber-and-orange character. Expect a gentle bitter edge from a red aperitivo bitter, a round sweetness from vermouth-style wine, and a whisky backbone with some oak and spice. If this one leans on Japanese whisky, as the name suggests, expect a lighter, cleaner grain note than a bourbon-based version. Sweetness in this family is moderate, with the bitterness holding the balance. Because bitter, sweet and spirit are usually already combined in this kind of drink, the simplest way to serve it is over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, with an orange peel expressed over the top. Chilling it first, either by stirring over ice and straining or by keeping the bottle cold, softens the sweetness and keeps the bitter notes clear. A short pour as an aperitif, before dinner, suits the style well. For longer drinks, topping it with soda water over ice gives a lighter, spritz-like serve, and a splash of sparkling wine pushes it further in that direction. It can also stand in for the vermouth-and-bitter portion of a Negroni or Boulevardier. Add whisky or gin and adjust to taste, keeping in mind that it may already contain spirit. Salted nuts, aged hard cheeses and charcuterie are natural pairings for the bitter-sweet profile.