MenuThe Three Pipe Problem

Case No. 002 · Signature Investigations

The Three Pipe Problem

A Sherlockian Old-Fashioned

WhiskeyRocksBaker StreetWarm & Smoky

Some problems are not to be solved in a hurry. High West Campfire — a blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch — is already doing three things at once before the bitters arrive. Demerara holds it together. Applewood smoke closes the case.

Smoky · Rich · Contemplative

Ingredients

2 ozHigh West Campfire whiskey
¾ ozDemerara syrup (1:1)
2 dashesTurkish tobacco bitters
Applewood smoke, to finish

Method

Combine whiskey, demerara syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30–40 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted. Strain over a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass. Cap the glass with a cloche or upturned bowl, introduce applewood smoke, and lift tableside.

GarnishOrange peel, expressed and placed

Notes

High West Campfire is doing the heavy lifting — bourbon sweetness, rye spice, and a thread of peat smoke from the Scotch component. The Turkish tobacco bitters are not a suggestion; they are the point. If you can't source them, Angostura will work but the case loses something. The smoke is theatre, but it's earned theatre.

Variations

The StandardSubstitute a single-malt Scotch for Campfire and omit the smoke cloche

A variation on the Old-Fashioned.

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MenuMycroft's Manhattan

Case No. 003 · Signature Investigations

Mycroft's Manhattan

RyeCoupeBaker StreetDark & Brooding

A rye Manhattan with tobacco bitters and a smoked cherry. The smoke from the glass carries through the drink — the smoked-cherry technique is the signature of this build. Mycroft's preferred method: precise, unhurried, and more powerful than it appears.

Smoky · Rich · Precise

Ingredients

2 ozRye whiskey
1 ozSweet vermouth
4 dashesTobacco bitters
2 dashesAngostura bitters
1Cocktail cherry

Method

Smoke a cocktail cherry in a coupe glass; when smoke is sufficient, set aside. Combine rye, sweet vermouth, tobacco bitters, and Angostura in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the smoke-filled coupe. The cherry goes in last.

GarnishSmoked cherry

Notes

The method here is deliberately unorthodox — a Manhattan is a stirred drink, but the shake is intentional: it aerates the vermouth slightly and softens the tobacco bitters. The smoke from the glass is not garnish; it is an ingredient. Don't rush it.

Variations

The ClassicStir instead of shake; omit the smoke

A variation on the Manhattan.

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MenuWatson's Derby

Case No. 004 · Signature Investigations

Watson's Derby

BourbonCoupeBaker StreetBright & Sharp

A Brown Derby built for the good doctor — dependable, well-constructed, and better than it has any right to be. Cask-strength bourbon meets fresh pink grapefruit and an Earl Grey honey syrup that rewards the extra work of making it.

Citrus · Floral · Warm

Ingredients

1.5 ozCask-strength bourbon
1 ozFresh pink grapefruit juice
0.5 ozEarl Grey honey syrup
2 dashesAngostura bitters

Method

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled. Double-strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an expressed grapefruit peel.

GarnishExpressed grapefruit peel

Notes

The Earl Grey honey syrup is the soul of this drink and it is worth making properly. Steep 2 bags of Earl Grey in ½ cup boiling water for 5 minutes — no longer, or it turns tannic. Remove the bags, stir in ½ cup raw honey until fully dissolved. Cool before refrigerating. It keeps for two weeks. The cask-strength bourbon matters: you need the proof to hold its ground against the grapefruit.

Variations

The Original Brown DerbySubstitute regular honey syrup for Earl Grey honey syrup; use standard-proof bourbon

A variation on the Brown Derby.

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MenuBaker Street

Case No. 005 · Signature Investigations

Baker Street

A lighter Boulevardier

RyeCoupeBaker StreetBright & Bitter

A lighter Boulevardier riff that swaps Campari for Aperol — the result is less aggressive, more approachable, with a citrus brightness that suits the address. Finished with an orange garnish that ties the whole thing together.

Bitter · Citrus · Spice

Ingredients

1.5 ozRye whiskey
½ ozAperol
½ ozSweet vermouth
1 dashOrange bitters

Method

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled and properly diluted, approximately 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

GarnishExpressed orange peel

Notes

The swap from Campari to Aperol is the whole argument of this drink — it softens the bitterness without losing the structure. A rye with some backbone is essential; something too mild will disappear behind the vermouth. The orange bitters are a dash, not a pour.

Variations

The Classic BoulevardierSubstitute Campari for Aperol for a more assertive bitterness

A variation on the Boulevardier.

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MenuRittenhouse Falls

Case No. 006 · Signature Investigations

Rittenhouse Falls

RyeCoupeBaker StreetBitter & Bright

Rittenhouse rye meets Montenegro amaro and fresh lemon juice in a drink that balances bitter, citrus, and spice with uncommon precision. An optional egg white rounds the texture without softening the argument.

Bitter · Citrus · Spice

Ingredients

2 ozRittenhouse rye
¾ ozAmaro Montenegro
¾ ozFresh lemon juice
1Egg white (optional)

Method

If using egg white, dry shake all ingredients without ice for 10 seconds to emulsify. Add ice and shake hard for 12–15 seconds. Double-strain into a chilled coupe. Without egg white, shake with ice and double-strain directly.

GarnishNone

Notes

Montenegro is doing more work here than its reputation suggests — it brings herbal complexity and a gentle sweetness that means no added syrup is needed. The egg white is optional but recommended: it lifts the texture and makes the drink feel more substantial. Rittenhouse at 100 proof is the correct choice; the proof holds its ground against the lemon.

Variations

Without egg whiteOmit egg white and shake directly with ice

A variation on the Whiskey Sour.

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A Study in Pink

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations

The Three Pipe Problem

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations

Mycroft's Manhattan

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations

Watson's Derby

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations

Baker Street

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations

Rittenhouse Falls

Ingredients

Method

Notes

Variations