Latest news with #BuffaloTraceBourbon
Eater
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Power of Friendship Beckons Industry Heavyweights to Open a New West Town Bar
It's been three years since the ownership of Friends of Friends, a new bar debuting today — Thursday, May 29 — in West Town, pulled together with the idea of opening a tavern on the corner of Chicago and Grand. Opening day for co-owner Abe Vucekovich — also an alum of the influential cocktail bar Violet Hour — hit differently. It was the celebrated bartender's first as an owner. The bar slowly filled up last week during an opening preview, with friends and neighbors trickling into the space at 2001 W. Grand Avenue. Vucekovich delighted in seeing about 100 smiling faces who filled the room, with some emptying into the 100-seat patio with heated floors for the winter and a fireplace. There are no TVs. The 11-seat bar was salvaged from the Brooklyn location of the Knitting Factory; the club closed in 2022. Friends of Friends co-owner Kevin Heisner, who now lives in New York, spotted the opportunity while walking by the shuttered club. Heisner and ownership proceeded to purchase the wooden bar, bringing it back to Chicago, where it now anchors the former Schlitz tavern with the brewery's familiar orb outside. That made the idea to hang the old red neon Schlitz sign that once adorned Danny's Tavern make too much sense. Terry Alexander was a co-owner of the Bucktown bar, which closed in 2020 and is a Friends of Friends partner. The bar intends to regularly host a Danny's tribute, which could lead to a revival of the tavern's popular soul night. Alexander, separately a partner at One Off Hospitality, remains connected with Danny's alums, including Courtland Green, who works at Dove's Luncheonette, one of One Off's restaurants. That taps into the bar's central theme and the genesis of its name. Vucekovich will also dip into his network of hospitality workers, hoping to host bar pop-ups, bringing in his friends who run taverns across the country. That's big news for cocktail nerds who will get chances to try drinks from some of America's top bars. But Friends of Friends is meant to welcome all drinkers. Vucekovich describes the vacant look on intimidated customers trying to understand a drink list full of esoteric ingredients: 'You can see it in the look in the eyes,' he says, describing the plea for assistance. ''Can you help me?'' Wanting to avoid those awkward exchanges, Friends of Friends's menu uses tried-and-true descriptors as drink names like 'Floral and Bubbly' (Sakura infused Roots N/A Divino Bianco, sparkling Watermelon and Hibiscus, citrus tonic) and 'Bold and Luscious' (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amontillado Sherry, washed with a Scorched Banana, Demerara Coconut Oil). Vucekovich says the simple terms make the drink list easier to navigate. They don't want the space to feel pretentious. Even though the drinks are sophisticated, most of the 'tweezer stuff' will be done away from the customer's eye, says Vucekovich. There's also natural wines on draft, Schilitz and whiskey specials for $5, and more. Heisner's focus is on design, and he's a longtime partner with Matt Eisler in Heisler Hospitality, one of the city's most successful bar groups with hits like Estereo and Sportsman's Club. Heisler's offices are located above Friends of Friends. Alexander, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has even brought some of his hometown flavor to the new bar. A version of Runza, the sandwich puff from the chain of the same name, will be served. Called the Frunza, it's stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions. It's the kind of snack that teens would turn to after drinking a beer or two, wanting to cover up the smell of alcohol from their parents, Alexander says. The vibe is for more responsible snacking at Friends of Friends, where the drinks will clock in at $13, and snacks hover in the $5 range. It's kind of ensuring a happy hour feel at all times of the day. Management is also open to tweaking the layout and offerings, eager to hear how customers respond to the bar. The space's history is a bit of a mixed bag. Vucekovich says a passerby claims his mother ran an Italian grocery store in the basement. Vucekovich is also the force behind the drinks at the acclaimed Meadowlark in Logan Square, and while his focus is on Friends of Friends, he'll continue to create new drinks at Meadowlark. Vucekovich mentions a quirky detail: The Knitting Factory's bar from New York came affixed with a Sharkula sticker, representing the Chicago-area rapper. 'I've known him for years,' Vucekovich says. 'He slept on my couch back in the day.' Perhaps a friend of a friend placed the sticker on the bar. Friends of Friends , 2001 W. Grand Avenue, open 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday through Sunday Sign up for our newsletter.
Rakyat Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Rakyat Post
History In A Glass: America's Oldest Distilling Traditions Land In Malaysia
Subscribe to our FREE The legendary Sazerac Company, keeper of some of America's most coveted bourbon traditions, is officially rolling out its full portfolio in the Malaysian market. Through local powerhouse The introduction couldn't be more perfectly staged than at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur's Living Room, where industry insiders got their first official taste of what's been making bourbon aficionados weak in the knees for generations. Bottled at 45% ABV, the iconic Sazerac Rye Whiskey leads the charge. It carries the legacy of the famous Sazerac cocktail, which was born in New Orleans. This spicy, complex rye whiskey, with its distinctive candied citrus and vanilla notes, is a testament to America's oldest distilling traditions and remains an essential component in classic cocktails. Kentucky's Bourbon Legacy Following closely is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, produced at America's oldest continuously operating distillery. Bottled at an approachable 40% ABV, this flagship bourbon brings rich waves of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit, backed by gentle spices. With over 200 years of distilling heritage and countless awards, it represents the cornerstone of the Buffalo Trace Distillery's remarkable portfolio. The 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, named for the year Kentucky joined the United States, offers a more robust experience at 46.85% ABV. Its higher rye content delivers a complex character that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate. Its distinctive tall-shouldered bottle presents deep notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. This expression perfectly bridges the gap between everyday bourbon and premium sipping whiskey. Mastering American Whiskey Heritage The prestigious Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, bottled at 45% ABV, completes the quartet. This highly sought-after bourbon, aged for a minimum of 10 years, showcases the pinnacle of Buffalo Trace's craftsmanship. Its complex profile of almond, orange peel, honey, and leather notes has earned it numerous accolades, including multiple Double Gold medals at major competitions. The two-hour session was an intimate deep dive into these premium offerings, giving attendees a comprehensive introduction to American whiskey craftsmanship. From the spiciness of rye to the sweetness of bourbon, each expression tells its own story of American distilling heritage. A New Chapter in Malaysian Mixology For trade partners and media representatives lucky enough to secure an invitation, this exclusive first look represents more than just new additions to their portfolio – it's access to some of the most storied brands in the spirits world, each bringing its own legacy to Malaysian shores. As Malaysia's craft cocktail scene evolves, Sazerac's arrival couldn't be better timed. From high-end bars to premium retailers, these spirits promise to bring a touch of New Orleans magic to Malaysia's drinking culture. While the W Hotel launch may be exclusive, the real celebration will be knowing that these legendary bottles will soon be available at Malaysia's finest establishments. The spirits are coming – and they're bringing two centuries of American heritage with them. Essential Bitters: The Soul of Classic Cocktails The Sazerac portfolio's Malaysian debut wouldn't be complete without introducing two essential cocktail components. In the bustling French Quarter of 1832 New Orleans, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a recent arrival from San Domingo (now Haiti), began crafting what would become one of cocktail history's most influential creations in his humble apothecary. His special blend of botanicals, now known worldwide as Peychaud's Bitters, started as a zesty addition to his pharmacy's elixirs but grew to become an essential ingredient in the legendary Sazerac cocktail. Decades later, across the cocktail landscape, Gary Regan would develop his legacy with Regans' Orange Bitters, creating a precise balance of citrus peel and herbal notes that would become a cornerstone of classic and modern mixology. Today, these two distinctive bitters—each with its own character—Peychaud's with its liquorice and saffron notes and Regans' with its citrus-forward profile and ginger-like finish continue to be indispensable tools in crafting sophisticated cocktails worldwide. Where Tequila Meets Bourbon Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Mexico, Corazón Tequila tells a fascinating story of two worlds coming together. It begins with their Blanco – pure and honest, like capturing sunshine in a bottle. Here, the blue agave speaks for itself, untouched and unaltered, sharing its natural sweetness and character just as nature intended. But the story gets even more interesting. Imagine taking this pristine tequila and letting it rest in barrels that once cradled some of Kentucky's finest bourbon. That's precisely what happens with Corazón's Reposado and Añejo expressions: these special barrels, fresh from Buffalo Trace Distillery, add their own whispers of American oak and bourbon heritage to Mexico's beloved spirit. Completing this Mexican journey is Los Vecinos del Campo mezcal, crafted from carefully selected wild and cultivated agave varieties, offering a traditional taste of Oaxaca's rich mezcal heritage. Think of it as a limited-edition masterpiece where Mexico's finest tequila and Mezcal meets America's most treasured whiskey barrels. Each bottle tells a unique tale, having rested in barrels that once held Buffalo Trace's most prestigious whiskeys. Crafting Caribbean's Finest: From Myers's to Jung & Wulff Following the distinguished spirits mentioned earlier, the historic Myers's Original Dark Rum from Jamaica, crafted since 1879 using pure Jamaican sugarcane juice, brings over 140 years of heritage to the portfolio. Take a sip, and you'll discover why this rum has stood the test of time- it's like biting into a chocolate-covered caramel, with tobacco hints reminding you of an old wooden cigar box. Hidden beneath these bold flavours are subtle whispers of sweet raisins and fresh figs – all coming together in perfect harmony thanks to patient ageing in white oak barrels. But the Caribbean's rum story doesn't end there. Jung & Wulff have crafted three distinct chapters from three different islands. Trinidad's smooth and sophisticated character, Guyana's mysterious and complex personality, and Barbados's rich, full-bodied charm. Each is carefully crafted at 43% ABV, striking the perfect balance between strength and flavour. From Myers's time-honoured Jamaican traditions to Jung & Wulff's modern approach, these rums complete the picture of Caribbean craftsmanship. READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
