Inside The Kirketon Hotel in Sydney lies a cocktail bar that will excite every sense of your body, leaving little wonder as to why it’s remained one of the most respected and referenced cocktail bars in the city’s history. From smoking beechwood, to liquid nitrogen, to adding sea salt and citrus aromas in the form of smoke to fill cocktail glasses, Eau De Vie – which also has an acclaimed venue in Melbourne – is a masterclass in imagination and reinvention.
In continuing with that masterclass theme, their 2017 Appreciation Series a strictly-ticketed and exclusive monthly education. Future nights boast matching chocolate and whisky, as well studying the aura of absinthe and how to create the worlds best martini.
February saw us experience ‘Whisky from the land of the Rising Sun’, an evening of presenting Japans world class liquid export. A recent meteoric rise in the appreciation of Japanese whisky has seen huge demand cause low stocks worldwide; this Appreciation night would see most bottles priced over $1000AUD.
Tables in the Whisky Room of Eau De Vie were an organised affair, with six whiskies carefully placed on top of name-tags, alcohol percentages and brief facts beside antipasto boards. The first whisky of the night was Ichiro’s Malt Malt & Grain (46%), a multi-region distilled whisky with light floral notes. As Head of Whisky, Geoff Fewell told us, the family behind the brand has been crafting whisky since the 1600’s. This contrasted against the wood and earthy, rounded notes of the Yamazaki 12yo (43%) from Osaka. Another multi-region creation, Nikka from the barrel (51.4%) was deep, dark and oaky with a short after-taste. The personal favorite of the evening was the White Oak Akashi (46%), a seductively light, sharp, pale and silky highlight.
Along with making Japanese whisky the hero of the night, continuous banter, conversation and information flow in a comfortable and communal celebration of the liquor. The first event of 2017 has us eagerly awaiting their future events and Speakeasy Group’s growth into Redfern and Parramatta this year.
Eau De Vie
Sydney: 229 Darlinghurst Rd
Melbourne: 1 Malthouse Ln
Visit www.eaudevie.com.au for cocktail seduction and more information.
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