"New Amsterdam"
1.25 Genever
.5 Blanc Dolin
.25 Aperol
.5 oz. Ruby Red Grapefruit
"Genever, oh sweet Genever.........or was it Jennifer, oh sweet Jennifer". In my case it was probably both...but, let us focus on the former. The 437 year old spirit that may very well have been the impetus for gin in all of it's glorious forms. Genever is distilled from rye, corn and wheat. This "malt wine" is then infused with a carefully selected distillate of botanicals. This process produces a spirit with the bold malty character of an outstanding whiskey, but with the pretty aromatic quality of a London Dry Gin. We are talking neutral grain spirits with the addition of botanicals...Gin.
The "New Amsterdam" cocktail is my take on what Americans might have been sipping on if Genever made it to our shores before whiskey, as they both date back to the same time period. It's light, crisp and refreshing with the roundness and character of a solid "Manhattan".
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Jeff Brandeis
Bar Manager
Coming soon:
2006 Domaine Laffont, Cuvee Hecate, Madiran, France
For many, Tannat is considered unapproachably tannic and tightly wound; a lesser variety indigenous to the remote dirt roads of the Pyrenees. To me, this is exactly what I look for. In my quest to establish Mandolin’s beverage program as a celebration of sense of place and meaning, I can’t think of anything more profound that these quintessential country wines.
Undeniably reminiscent of the region, the wines of Madiran, typically comprised of almost 100% Tannat, drink just as the cuisine of the region tastes. Hedonistic by character, these wines exude pungent aromas of roasted meats, smoke, wild dried herbs and forest floor. Rustic and deep, many are intended for long aging in the cellar.
Domaine Laffont, owned by Belgian transplant Pierre Speyer, has over recent years become among the regions most celebrated producers. Utilizing biodynamic viticulture practices, their wines take masculinity and sex appeal to another level. Speyer’s top-tier wine, Cuvee Hecate, is produced from an old-vine parcel of 100% Tannat, with miniscule yields of only two tons per acre. It embodies a new vision for the region – polished, ripe tannins and deep, black as the night fruit, yet with an expressive, carnal underlining which defines the wines of Southwest France.
Modern yet traditional - a dichotomy that much of the French wine industry has struggled with over the last 30 odd years. Bordeaux over recent vintages has come to exemplify this struggle, yet in the far flung regions of Southern France such as Madiran, Maury, Corbieres, Minervois and others –we are discovering that these opposing notions are, in fact, one in the same.
Charles Kirkwood
Wine and Beverage Director
Thank You
What an amazing two months it has been since we opened the doors to Mandolin. Thank you so much for all of your support in our new home on the corner of Oberlin and Fairview!
I have met so many wonderful people, made great new friends, and continue to be overwhelmed by all of the encouragement and kind words from everyone that walks through our front doors. It means so much and I am truly thankful.
It has been so much fun to learn the history of this location and what this historic space means to the families in the Hayes Barton neighborhood. From the old Fire Station, to the Hayes Barton Grocery, and of course Johnsons Pharmacy…the memories and the love for this very spot are endless!
Let's keep sharing stories and memories of this space, old and new. Please send me your wonderful memories of good times spent here and I will post them on our blog! Please drop me a note at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Just a side note, Sean and his best friend Hanes Roberts used to frequent Johnson’s Pharmacy after long afternoons of riding bikes… if anyone has any pictures of the these two trouble makers…I mean young gentlemen… in action, I think there is a gift certificate trade we may be able to discuss!
I look forward to hearing from everyone! See you soon at Mandolin!