Spirits Distilled

Last week, Katie and I had the pleasure of attending the Spirits Distilled class at The Monarch Bar, located just off the plaza. Monarch is a one of a kind cocktail bar and lounge with so many well thought out details. From the bar to the parlor and terrace alike, every seat, hanging feature, and drink has been crafted with different tastes in mind. Their Spirits Distilled class, offered every Wednesday, walks you through a tasting to help broaden your knowledge and enlighten your palate in assorted categories.

The Spirits Distilled Class is located in the Parlour, which Monarch terms an “intimate and one-of-a-kind experience.” Between the small bar, gray couches, drapery, and mirrored wall lined with candles, it gives off a twilight vibe. The room holds up to 16 people and was the perfect place for this tasting experience.

When we arrived, we were greeted with a Ramos Gin Fizz welcome cocktail. Of course, depending on the spirit tasting you attend the welcome cocktail will change. We settled in our seat with five blind pours laid out before us. During the class, Bryan Arri, the ultimate spirits educator, leads us through the tasting of the pours while educating us on the vast variety, history, and evolution of the chosen spirit of the week, Gin.

The whole experience is priced at $30 and you definitely get your money’s worth. We both discovered a new and deeper love for Gin as a result of this class. We couldn’t help but joke that Bryan has the super power to change your mind and/or relationship with any spirit, as he is just that good. I can hardly wait to try and whip up my own Ramos Gin Fizz at home, although I know for certain it won’t be as good as Bryan’s.

If you are curious what other tasting Spirits Distilled will be offering in the future then check out the link here. We are already trying to decide what other classes we wish to attend in the future!