Down a laneway and behind an unmarked door is something special. Eau de Vie is a speakeasy cocktail bar that combines class, theatricality, and experienced staff. There are few things more pleasurable than taking a seat at the bar and watching the staff work their magic with fire, liquid nitrogen, and quality spirits.
The venue also runs monthly Appreciation Society meetings, helping patrons to get up close and personal with the drinks at the venue. The aim is to create exciting, engaging events and they are already off to an excellent start. There’s something for everyone with sessions including: A Tale of the Martini, Around the World in 8 Cocktails, Champagne Caviar & Cheese, and Drink Like a Pirate the Eau de Vie Way.
The team launched the 2017 Society with an impressive night celebrating Japanese whisky. Upon arrival we were guided to the back room – behind a faux bookshelf and under the glow of lockers containing private bottles. We started the night channelling Bill Murray and Lost in Translation with a soda and Suntory whisky.
Then Geoff Fewell, head of whisky, guided us through sampling six drams from the Land of the Rising Sun. Complementing the amber nectar was a platter featuring charcuterie, fruit, and delicious cheese. (I swoon for triple-cream Brillat.)
Tasting notes, stories of the distilleries, and the incredible market for Japanese whisky were all discussed as we sipped our way through the evening. The variety of samples were generous – including tastes from bottles that could fetch a significantly higher price if they were resold.
My plus one and I were delighted to end the night sampling a 15-year Yoichi, which is currently priced around $600 a bottle. Lucky for us, EDV’s philosophy is ‘whisky is made to be drunk’.
If the February launch is anything to go by, the March Appreciation Society featuring bold Scottish whiskies will deliver on both quality and value.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
The next Eau-de-Vie Appreciation Society event is Love Thy Peat Monster on March 27. Purchase tickets now. Sign up for the newsletter for future events.
