Raising the Bar on Reserve Lists
One Off Hospitality (management company for Blackbird, avec, The Violet Hour, The Publican, Big Star, Publican Quality Meats, and Nico Osteria) is rolling out high-end drink menus. From the boisterous bar program at Big Star to the lauded cocktail list at The Violet Hour, top-shelf spirits are just as paramount as top-tier farm purveyors for food menus. In a move to further showcase some of these exceptional spirits, a few members of the One Off gamut are offering new designated drinks and reserve beverage lists.
New at Blackbird is the Captain’s List, a collection of classic drinks featuring the restaurant’s utmost spirits. The mixology taking place behind the bar with Kyle Davidson jives seamlessly in tandem with the classic-inspired, contemporary dishes coming out of Perry Hendrix’s kitchen. Some of the entrants to this esteemed new list include the Japanese Cocktail made with Pierre Ferrand “Reserve” Cognac, Angostura, and almond orgeat; Fall Down Slow featuring Dos Maderas 10 year rum, Pierre Ferrand “Ambre,” plum wine, Cynar, Amaro Nonino; and the Vieux Carre comprised of Old Potrero 18th century rye, Pierre Ferrand “Cigare” Cognac, Carpano Antica, and Chartreuse Yellow VEP.
Over at Big Star, the neo-honky tonk is rolling out a new Reserve List to highlight some of their most vintage and alluring bourbons bought at auction and during the bar’s annual pilgrimages to Kentucky. The elite list features six bottles at a time, with rare varietals like Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 2009 Seasoned Oak, Pappy Van Winkle 23-year, and Michter’s Sour Mash Celebration.
Across the street from Big Star, The Violet Hour is crafting an enticing new cocktail dubbed the Prescription Julep. Named for a classic drink whose origins can be traced back to a Harper’s Monthly article ca. 1857, the drink is made with a potable panacea of Stagg Jr. bourbon, Vieux Pontarlier, absinthe, mint, and demerara.
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph Street, Chicago
(312) 715-0708
Website
Big Star
1531 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago
(773) 235-4039
Website
The Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago
(773) 252-1500
Website
