Eons ago (by my recollection), I discovered a scotch-based cocktail that quickly became one of my favorites: the Dark Day On Broadway Then, for their winter whiskey release, State 38 distilling released a rye whiskey finished in a cherry liqueur barrel. I loved the flavor and instantly wanted to feature it in a cocktail for the New Year (my favorite holiday). I figured their whiskey would complement the maraschino liqueur in the Dark Day On Broadway, and after a little tweaking, ended up with a rich and strong cocktail fitting for any celebration!
Since I used State 38's whiskey, I updated the name to Dark Day in Golden, to celebrate the town I proudly call home.
1 1/2 oz State 38 cherry liqueur-finished rye whiskey
1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Garnish with a luxardo cherry
While this cocktail would be great either on ice or up in a chilled martini glass, I found that I preferred it over ice, as it cuts the sweetness just a little more.