A few weeks ago, I wrote a story on the proposed Midtown Overlay, a zoning plan that will affect new development in the center of town. Some of the information was a little confusing, and in frustration, I turned to Twitter and asked "Does anyone understand the Midtown Overlay?"

The first response I got back was from Matt Writt, who works for the Flyer. He said, "No, but it sounds like the name of a drink". Joking led to plotting, and plotting led to calling a bartender, and calling a bartender led a handful of intrepid drinkers to the Cove last Thursday night for a taste test.

(Photo by the lovely and talented Kelsey Maynard)

That's it. It looks innocent enough. Evan, the ever obliging bartender, cringed while he was making the drinks, as though he was appalled by his crimes against cocktails.

In terms of potency, the Midtown Overlay definitely lives up to its name. It's a half-bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon with a shot of Jack Daniels and half a shot of Amaretto, rimmed with Rendezvous Barbecue Rub. Sounds pretty gross, right?

It is. But it's not as gross as it probably should be. If you drink it quickly, Irish Car Bomb style, it's borderline palatable. As a sipping drink, it completely fails. The whiskey and the amaretto sink to the bottom in a foul layer of boozy sediment.

I hate to disappoint, but the Midtown Overlay isn't going to be added to the Cove's list of artisan cocktails anytime soon.