Happy Repeal Day!

So, how are you celebrating today?

I think work is going to keep me until 11 or so tonight, thus I'm thinking that I'll have a glass of Hudson Baby on the rocks when I get home.

http://www.tuthilltown.com

As it turned out, my mode of celebration was restrained: Johnny Walker Black, straight up, soda back.

Thanks for reminding us all of this august occasion (hope to make your January event).

Hammond

I made sure to have a couple of drinks to celebrate this day(not much different than any other day really).

3 Red Stripes

4 or 5 servings of tequila in a rocks glass (Sauza Tres Generaciones Reposado)

I took my (newly relocated from Florida) brother-in-law to the Hour.

I still can't believe what great space it is to just hang out and chat in. Sitting at the bar, talking to the staff is definitely the way to go with two people.

And oh yes the drinks, those wonderfully balanced libations.

On this front --

Iron Cross -- as good as advertised. Much better that the pisco sours I made at home the other night.

Irish Pirate -- Little burn up front, wonderful sweet finish, plus it is served with the giant cube of ice.

The next two I pretty much put myself in the tender's hand.

Gin Old Fashioned -- I was a little skeptical, but I don't know why. Great simple drink, something that the bar tender was "playing around with" (I wish I could remember his name) Definitely something I'll be trying to replicate at home.

And finally an Aviation with Creme de Violet. -- The Aviation is getting a lot of press online on the cocktail blogs over the last year or so. Definitely a good drink, but I much preferred the original cocktails on the menu to this one.

I'm a little fuzzy on what Alex had I think this is right --
Chi-Town Flip
Nickel Manhattan
Rum Old Fashioned
Don't have any idea.

I had a sip of all but his first, but not enough to get a deep impression. The only feeling I really had was that I thought the Rum Old Fashioned (there was another name that was used as well) was too sweet for me.

Also had tastes of
North Shore Distillery's Distiller's Gin No. 6 and No. 11
St-Germain Interesting stuff, I didn't like the nose at all, but the taste was actually very mild of berries.

All and all a good night, and thanks to the Hour the walk home wasn't quite so cold!

SSDD

All of this beer talk got me excited to get back to Goose Island. I tried a flight with their Alt Bier (eh), Honest Stout (good), John the Younger (also good) and the Bourbon Imerpial Brown Goose (excellent). I followed that up with a full glass of the Brown Goose (still excellent) and then, because a night without whiskey is a sad one, indeed, a glass of McCarthy's whiskey, neat, except for a little water.

I work for Jim Beam and we were all treated to some drinks at the company bar. WOOT. Drink up!

I celebrated with what I believe is really the only beverage to drink on repeal day - Templeton Rye

Templeton Rye was bootlegged during the prohibition era and was reputed to be Capone's favorite liquor. It originated in Templeton, Iowa, a very small town just a couple of miles from my home town. Growing up I always heard tales about this stuff be distilled and run. There are rumors (that no one has substantiated) that my grandfather did some running of Templeton Rye in his day. I would also hear about folks still making it on the sly up until recently. You just had to know who to get it from. I have developed an odd sense of civic pride about it. (I have two bottles from the first legal batch at home.)

The website has interviews with folks about distilling it/running it back in the day.

Click here to see an odd little story about the Chicago launch of Templeton Rye

I know you can get it at West Lakeview Liquors, and I am sure other fine liquor stores throughout the Chicago area.

Oh, and it is pretty tasty stuff. Of course, I am biased, so if other try it, I would be curious as to what you think.

My group of 9 (mostly singers) is going to Violet Hour at 7 and Bluebird at 9 to celebrate; see you at the bottom of the shaker.

What's everyone doing this year for the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day? I saw this blog compilationof events in Chicago today...

paulhas wrote:What's everyone doing this year for the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day? I saw this blog compilationof events in Chicago today...

I've know about the Drawing Room event for what seems like months and that is where I'll be for at least part of the night. I may do something else earlier, but I am trying to decide if I should go home after work and powernap or go directly to the bars after work....

Everyone enjoy .... just because you can.

SSDD

Partida Anejo Tequila - I'm really into this stuff after trying it at a New Year's party eleven months ago. It has a funky, earthy bouquet (in my mind's nose how the agave pinas must smell like right out of the roaster) with a lingering caramel and honey finish.

Admittedly a contrast to the herbal/citrus profile I enjoyed nearly as much in the Tres Mujeres Reposado, but I am trying to expand my horizons

May God bless the Repealers!

Davooda

I figured it was as good a time as any to send this thread up from the depths, Repeal day is Saturday.

SSDD

I'll celebrate first by attending the LTH Holiday Gastroextravaganzathon, and will then play it by ear...though I'm sure booze will be involved

Are any of the serious-ish bars doing anything for Repeal Day? In NYC it's a grand, hipstery time. Lots of obnoxious, era-appropriate garb. Will, like, TVH, BDV, Drawing Room, Tiny Lounge, etc. be hosting festivities?

beer, tequila, bbq, & a day of college football(typical Saturday), sounds like a good way to celebrate to me.

BryanZ wrote:Are any of the serious-ish bars doing anything for Repeal Day? In NYC it's a grand, hipstery time. Lots of obnoxious, era-appropriate garb. Will, like, TVH, BDV, Drawing Room, Tiny Lounge, etc. be hosting festivities?

I don't know the answer to this, but Repeal Day in Chicago is nothing like it is in NYC, unfortunately.

I think I heard via Twitter that Custom House is doing $5 Repeal Day cocktails:

http://www.yelp.com/events/chicago-cele ... -cocktails

BryanZ wrote:Are any of the serious-ish bars doing anything for Repeal Day? In NYC it's a grand, hipstery time. Lots of obnoxious, era-appropriate garb. Will, like, TVH, BDV, Drawing Room, Tiny Lounge, etc. be hosting festivities?

Here are a couple of things from Sonja's blog (co-owner of North Shore)

This coming Saturday, December 5th, is the 76th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. On December 5, 1933, Utah (yes, Utah) ratified the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving the needed 3/4 majority to end the thirteen year drought of legal spirits in the U.S.


On Saturday, whether you're at home, or out with friends raise a toast to Repeal Day. If you're going out in Chicago, here are a few options that night for celebrations:

* The Drawing Room, 937 N. Rush - the Chicago Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (aka Chicago LUPEC, of which I am President) will be gathering there for classic cocktails in celebration of the day at 7 pm, and all (21+) are welcome to join the informal celebration. Look for special cocktails and more at this great cocktail bar.

* Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn - This great restaurant and bar is celebrating the occasion all day (11a-11p) with $5 cocktails honoring the occasion. The cocktails are made with small-batch Midwest spirits, and include choices like the Rock 'n Rye and the "Bathtub" Gin Rickey (made with our No. 11 - can't wait to try it!).

* In Fine Spirits Lounge, 5420 N. Clark - Join the folks from Templeton Rye (reputedly Al Capone's favorite) in a period-themed celebration of classic cocktails at this great cocktail lounge in Andersonville.

* Sage Grille, 260 Greenbay Road in Highwood - you'll find a menu of classic pre-Prohibition cocktails for the occasion at this great restaurant, and you'll be in a historic neighborhood for restaurants, where many a moonshiner made hooch during Prohibition in the back alleys.

Regardless of where you are, or what you're doing, I hope you'll raise a toast to this most American, most appropriate drinking holiday. Cheers!

While I am pretty sure I'll end up at the Drawing Room after 7, I have a feeling that I'll be starting earlier somewhere in the 'hood.

SSDD