An online speakeasy of potent potables and other pabulam.

I’m guessing not here since we’ve been a bit remiss on posting as often as we’d like. We’re working on it, honest!

But things I’ve done lately:

• Cigar Advisor revamped as an online magazine. You’ll see something from me in their July issue. But they’re doing tasting competitions with a great deal on the cigars involved, and I did my first round last night. It was a J Fuego Origen Original versus a Schizo 60 versus a Trocadero Honore. The Original was good, though quite a tight draw, and unlabeled which made it hard to figure out which one it was at first. I liked the Honore at first, but it had an interesting spice taste that got a bit old after a while. The Schizo 60 was just a solid cigar, and so I voted for it.
• And it looks my “raccoon traps” – bowls with rags soaked in ammonia – are working to keep the bugger away from me!
• Plum Deluxe posted an article I wrote about upgrading your bar. Read it and comment about it on Facebook should you desire!
• If you know me, you know I like beer. That being said, I am now boycotting Rogue. It started with them suing some NOLA bartenders after they dared name their book “Rogue Cocktails” and now they’re suing a local restaurant, Rogue 24. That’s Not Cool, Rogue.
• Next Friday DC Toasts salutes African-American bartenders. You should go. I will be there. It will be fun.
• Just an FYI: Looks like neither Marshall nor I will be attending Tales this year. It’s sad, but it will be good for my wallet. I will probably write more at length on the biggest reason I’ve decided against going later, but if you’ve read my coverage from previous years (especially 2011) you can probably guess the gist of it.

Well, that’s about it for now. If you’re looking for a good brunch spot, go bug our fellow scofflaw Anthony at Beuchert’s Saloon. Order many Ramos Gin Fizzes and mimosas. Try the oxtail gravy and biscuits, because I haven’t yet but they look fantastic!

My lease ends next month, and I have to move. Sigh. Hopefully it will be for the best.

But my bar is, well, rather large:

bar

So anyways, while there’s no way I can drink it ALL before I move, I’m going to work on drinking some of it. Last night I got a bottle of wine out of it. Yay.

In the DC area? Want to help? Let me know!

And I’ll keep y’all up to date about cool stuff I might actually find in it.

We’ve finalized a few new classes in conjunction with Last Exit in DC and you can find the information below.  The first one is coming quickly so get your tickets fast!

March 4, 2012 & March 11, 2012

Come learn how to stir, shake and muddle your way to a successful cocktail party! Each student learn the techniques of making cocktails, how to stock a basic home bar and three recipes to show off your new talents. Oh, and the professional tools you use to practice your new skills? Yeah, you get to keep those! Two dates to choose from, this class is a must for anyone wanting to throw a cocktail party!

Class: Basics of the Home Bar
Cost: $75.00 per student
Where: Last Exit, 3155 Mount Pleasant Street, N.W., Washington, DC
When: March 4, 2012 or March11, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Each class is limited to 8 students.

March 25, 2012

Come celebrate the season premiere of AMC’s Mad Men and learn about the cocktails imbibed within the halls of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce Advertising Agency! We’ll discuss the history of each ingredient and the history of the cocktails and learn how to make each one. Students will receive recipe cards to take home so they can recreate a Mad Men style cocktail party while watching the show.

Class: Drink Like Mad Men
Cost: $50.00 per student
Where: Last Exit, 3155 Mount Pleasant Street, N.W., Washington, DC
When: March 25, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Class is limited to 10 students.

April 15, 2012

Class: Bitters
Cost: $50 per student
Where: Last Exit, 3155 Mount Pleasant Street, N.W., Washington, DC
When: April 15, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Class is limited to 10 people.

We’re adding a new dimension to Scofflaw’s Den today that I’m extremely excited about.  We are now offering cocktail-related classes and consulting services! Whether you want to learn about bitters, learn about the tools and spirits needed to make Mad Men-style cocktails at home or learn the differences among types of spirits, we will be offering a class for you.  If you are building a home bar or just looking to add to an existing home bar, we will help you decide on what spirits and tools to buy, how to set-up your bar and how to mix drinks like the pros.  Additionally, if you are looking for custom cocktails for an event, contact us and we will work with you to create any number of cocktails using your preferences that will make your event even more special.

Each class is $45 per student and will be limited to 6 to 10 students depending on space.  Payment for classes will need to be made prior to class in order to reserve your spot.  Cost of consulting services will be based on your individual project and goals.  Classes will be held at Last Exit and the schedule will be announced as a post here on the Den and on the Scofflaw’s Den Facebook page.  If you are interested in setting up a class or tasting at your home, we can arrange that as well.  To sign up for a class or consulting service, please email Marshall@ScofflawsDen.com.

For more details on individual classes, new classes and consulting services, please check here.

Our Bitters class will be offered on February 12, 2012 at 5:30pm. Come learn everything you wanted to know (and probably more) about bitters! An essential class for anyone interested cocktails.  This class also makes a great early Valentine’s Day gift for that cocktail lover in your life.

Where: Last Exit, 3155 Mount Pleasant Street, N.W., Washington, DC
When: February 12, 2012 @ 5:30pm
Class is limited to 10 people, so sign up early!  Email Marshall@ScofflawsDen.com

Hope to see you on February 12!  Cheers!