Alexandra Kalinowski gets a spirited start to her week with Oslo Takeovers.
Mondays just got a whole lot better. DrinkUp.London have partnered with Oslo in Hackney to host what they call Oslo Takeovers. To cut a long story short, that means £6 cocktails.
But there’s more. Each Monday a different spirit hosts either a masterclass or tasting coupled with signature cocktails. It’s a great way to get to know a bit more about whiskeys, rums, tequilas and the like, whilst sampling the versatility of the spirits in some of your favourite cocktails.
We popped in for the first night of the takeover when Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey pulled in their charming little cart full of classic bourbons, ryes, and 10-year-olds. Everyone gathered around with their shot glasses to have a taste of the whiskey neat. The woman pouring was charming and gracious, explaining how each tasting experience reminds her of an actor in a film. Not knowing what that exactly meant, we pressed her for more details. “The bourbon reminds me of Clint Eastwood.” Fitting, as you could argue he’s strong in spirit, with a sharp and cutting mouth, but also filled with determination and grit. We liked the analogy and as I continued sipping, I found myself coming up with my own.
The bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, USA, from a recipe developed in the 1830s. But the company itself is only 31 years old, distilled in a warehouse built in the early 20th century. Thomas Bulleit took the recipe from his great-great-grandfather who one day disappeared on his journey to New Orleans with barrels of bourbon. Aged in oak barrels, the 10-year is particularly smooth and stunning in taste, best served on the rocks to bring out the spicy notes.
Once we’d gotten the low-down on the whiskey alongside trendy miniature flasks, we made our way towards the bar to begin sipping on cocktails. We started off with a whiskey sour, made with plum syrup, fresh lemon juice and barrel aged bitters. It was tangy but well balanced with a hint of spice from the whiskey and softer plum notes. But my favourite was the Frontier Old Fashioned, which allowed the whiskey to shine. The orange bitters and brown sugar made the drink a bit dry and slightly smoky, which I never tire of.
We didn’t leave until well after midnight, which is either a testament to our conversation capabilities or the drinks. I’d like to think it was a bit of both.
If you’re interested in learning more about spirits and starting the week off right, head over for more Oslo Takeovers. I hear tequila is next on the list…
Oslo Hackney can be found at 1A Amhurst Road, London E8 1LL. To find out more, visit oslohackney.com/2018/04/oslo-hackney-drinkup-london-presents-oslo-takeovers/.
