You have to be sleeping under a sober rock to not know the absolute influence of the seemingly understated Eric Alperin, who would sooner cut to the cocktail and let the pours speak for themselves.
Alperin is largely responsible for the classic cocktail resurgence that has taken So Cal by storm in recent years. A leader in L.A.’s liquid landscape, he hails from New York where he cut his cocktail teeth working with the Batali/Bastianich family of restaurants and with the iconic classic cocktail God Sasha Petraske of New York’s Milk and Honey.
This New York transplant has packed a punch in his three short years in Los Angeles. After designing and running Batali’s bar menu at Osteria Mozza, he partnered with Petraske to open up Varnish Bar in Downtown L.A. The rest is liquid history.
In our on-going effort to expand our wonderful wall of whiskies, we’ve recently added more shelves. Latest count: 376! 152 from North America, 135 from Scotland, 35 from Ireland, and 12 from the rest of the world.
Some of the latest addditions:
Angel’s Envy, Lincoln Henderson’s latest offering, a unique Kentucky Straight finished in Port Casks. Parker Beam has also been experimenting with different barrel finishes, releasing Parker’s Heritage 10 year Barrel Finished- in Limosin Oak Cognac Casks. Damn good bourbon. We bought Single Barrels of Bernheim and Knob Creek, the only place you can taste this whiskey is in our bar. Our Bernheim Single Barrel is honey-dusted oak under sweet and easy wheat, our Know Creek Barrel is hot with Cherry and Cocoa. Hirsch Small Batch made it’s way in as well.
Lark, an amazing Australian whisky, is the first one to come to America that I know of. The Cask Strength blew my mind with subtle Tasmanian mineral salts coming through the oily malt. We have 3 of their expressions. All great.
From Scotland: Sheep Dip is back, after being unavailable for months, Linkwood 15 year, a great Speyside Single Malt finally came in, Coal Ila released an unpeated 12 year, revealing the peppery malt that is the heart of that famously smoky whisky. Tamdhu 30 year joined the ranks of some of the oldest whiskies that we carry, this distillery is now closed, so when the precious liquid is gone, it’s gone forever. This week the Seven Grand Whiskey Society had Brand Ambassador Mitch Bechard in to kick off the extremely limited edition of Glenfiddich’s Cask Of Dreams. Leather and cinnamon, big red fruit.
In the world of Blends, both Crown Royal Black and Johnnie Walker Double Black are new bottlings showing more bourbon character than ever before.
From Japan came a delicious new offering: Hukushu 12 year. Intricate, with Stone Fruit and citrus lifting through the hay and faint smoke.
Come down and try some of these new favorites soon, we can build a tasting flight for you. If you come in Monday-Wednesday before 8pm, when it’s not too busy, we can guide you through the exploration. Or you can book a private tasting by contacting our Events Coordinator: Stephen@213downtown.la
Also, we’ve been running a great Winter Drink Menu (try the 7th St. Toddy, if you’re feeling the chill) and the 7G staff contributed their personal favorite Boilermaker Shot & Beer pairings.
Thanks to all who came out for our 2 events this last week- Glenfiddich’s “Cask Of Dreams” Kick-off, and Heaven Hill’s “Un-Happy Valentine’s” Party. It was a really fun week! Thanks to Angus and the Seven Grand Bar Staff, and to Mitch Bechard and Andie Brokaw for making it all happen.
This coming Monday, February 20th, we have Silamith Weir from “The Wild Geese, Irish Soldiers & Heroes” coming in to educate and taste us on their collection. Jim Murray, writer of The Whiskey Bible, has called this whiskey “Stunning.”
Punch will be served at 6:30pm, tasting will start at 7pm SHARP, in the Jackalope Room. Latecomers will not be seated, but can hang out at the bar to meet Silamith after the education.
Come find a new favorite for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations! RSVP using the “Register Now!” link below.
For more information on the Seven Grand Whiskey Society, click on the links below my signature. A 12 month VIP membership is 120$, and allows you to bring a guest to any event. First one is on me.
Memberships are purchased at the bar, we look forward to seeing you.
Pedro, currently sipping purified water.
Pedro Shanahan
Spirit Guide, Seven Grand Whiskey Bar
Co-Curator, Whiskey Society
For more information on the Seven Grand Whiskey Society:
Casey’s Irish Pub – TC4
At the TC4 residency we encourage the following:
- Dancin’
- Drinkin’
- Groovin’
- Shakin’
- Rockin’
- Rollin’
- Makin’ (Love)
- Singin’
- Enjoying (or enjoyin’)
It’s a month long party. You will them doing originals, covers, “interpretations”, and you’re all invited! Each week has new surprises and different sets.
Every night is FREE . The fun starts at 10!
Caña Rum Bar – Native Wayne
Tonight Grammy-winning reggae luminary Wayne Hobson, also known as Native Wayne to his Indie 103 fans, will be behind the wheels of steel bringing us the good vibes via an eclectic set of classic reggae, dancehall, afrobeat, and whatever else he deems worthy of your listening pleasure. It’s Friday night, so if you’d like to ensure yourself a table or bring more than three guests, reservations are necessary. Right near the beach… Boyyyyyyyyyy!
Las Perlas – Kapsoul Records
What does Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rare Groove Disco have in common with Tequila? Las Perlas!!!! That’s right Kapsoul Records presents every Friday at Las Perlas with DJ Kap, Ohmae & Chikaramanga. Come in and get drunk…. Or stay sober depending on what you’re in to.
Saturday, February 18th
Casey’s Irish Pub – Death to Anders
Death to Anders (pronounced “onders”) are an American indie rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2006. Their lineup consists of Rob Danson (vocals and guitar), Rob Hume (bass and background vocals), and Robert Smith (drums).
Death to Anders are influential in the Echo Park and Silver Lake music scenes in Los Angeles and were founding members of the Central Second Collective, a group of up-and-coming rock musicians dedicated to promoting innovative, new music in Los Angeles. Often compared to Pavement, early Modest Mouse and Sonic Youth but defying hard classification, Death to Anders shift dramatically between hypnotic melodies and raging dissonance as they mix intelligent, story-driven rock with quirky, Gothic Americana.
Las Perlas – DJ Darren Revell
Las Perlas welcomes DJ Darren Revell from 103′s Big Sonic Heaven tonight. Darren will be spinning everything from Post Punk to New Wave to Eighties so grab your head bands and leg warmers and get on down here. We’ll see you then!
Caña Rum Bar – Music Selector Jose Galvan
Its time for you to stop living and start winning! What better way to do that than to join us @ Caña Rum Bar for Jose Galvan. Tonight and every Saturday night Jose joins us playing Latin Alternative, Funky Beats and Caribbean Rhythms. We will also be serving some of the most delicious rum cocktails ever to have touched your tongue. Get in here and get some!
By Karen Loftus
