Nik Virrey Named Seattle’s Most Imaginative Bartender & More

Cocktails are now available in distilleries and other tidbits of bar news you can use

By Seattle Mag August 27, 2015

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It’s the end of August, but not the end of the fun recent news from our local spirit, liqueur and cider makers, or the end of local bar news. Here’s the latest:

Nik Virrey Wins Seattle’s Most Imaginative Bartender: After opening the bar at new restaurant Naka recently, you’d think bar star Nik Virrey would be tired out – but instead, he’s just won the Seattle competition of Bombay Sapphire’s 9th annual search for the Most Imaginative Bartender. Virrey’s cocktail, the Naka Naka (which contained Bombay Sapphire Gin, an Acid Fire Ginger Shrub, a Bitter Matcha and Smoked Sea Salt solution, and fresh tomato water) was chosen out of a packed field as the tops due to its appearance, aroma, imagination and taste. Picking up the win will have Virrey heading to Las Vegas in September to represent Seattle against the rest of North America.

Cocktails Now Available In Distilleries: A recent change has gone into effect (as of July 24), making it possible for our local distillers to serve small cocktails featuring their products right at the distillery (not free, naturally). This means you can try locally made products in mixed drinks where the ingredients are made. My suggestion is you still always try products straight – it’s the best way to get at the real flavors our distilleries are delivering – but having a cocktail option as a follow up is a fine thing.

Seattle Cider Company Second Anniversary Party: Time sure does fly! This Saturday, August 29, is the second anniversary of the Seattle Cider Company, and it’s having a big party to celebrate. The fun is happening at SCC’s tasting room the Woods from 1 to 7 p.m., and is open to all. The Woods’ 20 taps will be flowing and serving up both its year-round ciders and special seasonals and limited-editions like the Red Wine Barrel-Aged Berry and Theo Chocolate Three Pepper ciders. There’ll also be raffles with prizes, giveaways, and games, and food available from food truck The People’s Burger.

Old Ballard Liquor Co. New Skogen Aquavit: Another delicious seasonal aquavit from this south Ballard distillery, Skogen Aquavit is made from spruce tips (with caraway, as aquavits are), and only available for a limited time. It has a rich fresh pine aroma, with a little fruitiness that makes it ideal served ice-cold during late summer and early fall. Since it’s a limited-edition aquavit release and there aren’t endless bottles, the best way to taste this northwest hit is to head down to the distillery.

Beardslee Public House Opens In Bothell: Beardslee, a 10,000-square-foot combo from chef John Howie featuring a 10-barrel brewery and a casual-but-tasty restaurant, opened earlier this month. The restaurant, driven by chef Jed Laprade, has a focus on housemade delicacies made with local ingredients, and unique takes on burgers, pizzas, and more, plus more unusual fare like veggi rillettes. In the brewery you’ll discover 12 house beers, plus some rotating guest pours, all coordinated by master-brewer Drew Cluleywull. Opening numbers include Bastard Grain Pale Ale, Greenleaf India Pale Ale, Knotted Porter, and more. The space’s bar will also be worth a visit, as it’ll have Washington state wines on tap, and cocktails made with the Wildwood Spirits Co. (also owned by Chef Howie and Beardslee partner, master distiller Erik Liedholm) spirits, like the delicious award-winning Kur gin.

 

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