Head Bartender Nathan Rogers was starting to get busy on Wednesday evening. With his head face down and jigger in hand, Nathan began creating beautiful cocktails. I knew by his diligence, that we were in for a treat.
As I walked in, I was greeted by Nathan who told me he was going to take me through a rum and Amaro flight. While the two are completely different spirits, he was excited about getting started.
This tasting was held at the bar, a very casual setting where you can tell, Nathan, was in his comfort zone. In front of us, were three beautiful rums: Clement V.S.O.P Rhum (Martinique), Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum (Venezuela) and, last but not least, Smith & Cross Navy Strength Rum (Jamaica).
Nathan began by mentioning that tasting flights were a perfect fit for the restaurant. He said he wanted to introduce something to guests they had never seen or tried before. Our rum tasting was accompanied by beautiful, well researched history, which included contacting some of the owners themselves.
The second go-round was an Amaro tasting. Being an Italian restaurant, Amaro is a perfect fit for a tasting flight. Amaro is a go-to liqueur in Italy, usually made up of different herbs and spices. Italians usually drink this as a “digestif”, or an after-dinner drink.
For this tasting we indulged on: Cardamaro (Italy), Amaro Nonino Quintessa (Italy,bartender’s favorite) and Varnelli Amaro Sibilla (Italy). Nathan, again, captivated us with his knowledge on the regions and history of each Amaro as we sipped each one.
This is a great stop for a bit of history, delicious food and unknown spirits. Nathan also designed the cocktail menu which he has split into three sections: Spumante (sparkling cocktails), Negroni (Negroni variations) and Stravagante (signature cocktails). Our favorites are:
Grappa
Grappa, Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry Rouge, Campari
and
Raised Spirits
Martin Millers Gin, Rosemary Syrup, Lemon Juice, Cucumber, Lemon Bitters, Salt & Pepper Rim
Stop in for their very inviting happy hour from 4:30-8:00PM for $6 house pours and 1/2 off oysters.