If you are tired of paying $4+ for a beer at a bar, you aren’t the only one. As more and more taxes are heaped upon drinks and transportation costs increasing dramatically, we are likely to see even steeper prices charged at the legitimate bar. Most folks end up buying beer and drinking it at home or in the backyard, but there is something about the socialization that comes with going to the bar that a lot of folks can’t do without. The point is having fun, not just drinking oneself into oblivion. Still, to this day, there is indeed prohibition on many kinds of alcohol, such as absinthe. So, naturally, the result of all this is the resurgence of the speakeasy.
My first experience with the modern speakeasy was one not unlike other bar experiences, but much enhanced exquisitely by the freedom of such a temporary autonomous zone. The scene was similar to a house party, except that the home bar was exquisitely decorated in red and black velvet, bleached bones, and a kind of green haze in the air. Naturally, smoking is allowed at such a speakeasy – another reason for the popularity of this event, as most states or big cities have outlawed smoking in bars. The green was being reflected off of the bottles of Absinthe lining the walls and the milky green drinks being sipped by those in attendance, dressed in either black lace or leather, almost exclusively it seemed. I was in the leather crowd.
Event, you say? Yes, by necessity, the modern speakeasy is an event, not a place. Or rather, a place that is recreated in a different location each time. It seems that those “in-the-know” were the only ones there, and that the main way people found out about the speakeasy was word of mouth. Usually the location is kept secret until the night before the event, and then word spreads quickly. The speakeasy usually doesn’t even open until after other bars are closed, sometime after 2 AM. All these are signs of a truly underground party scene.
The modern speakeasy will usually have many varieties of home brewed beverages available. Among the beers I have seen are a raspberry porter and a pale ale, and even mead was available on tap. The beverages are usually served chilled, from the spout of a homemade kegerator conversion. Absinthe is sometimes available, either tidy or traditionally mixed with water and sugar. I like both versions, and I may go in for the stronger stuff as the night progresses. The exciting thing about the traditional absinthe is that it is served with a live flame on top of the glass, and you must blow it out before drinking – this is reminiscent of an episode of the Simpsons where Homer brews a similarly combustible drink – the “Flaming Homer”. Straight absinthe is not recommended for anyone but those who have iron gullets and enjoy EXTREMELY bitter flavors.
I have been pleased with the cleanliness and order of the speakeasies I have visited – there is always a bar back to wash glasses and the drinks are nicely displayed. There were a number of liquors lining the back of the bar at the first speakeasy I went to, and not only were they green, but also clear, blue, yellow, and golden brown. I was only to find out later about some of these bottles, when I happened upon this same speakeasy again.
The speakeasy bar was nicely built and accessorized. Plenty of pint glasses and specialty glasses were available for the absinthe, something like a large brandy snifter. Towels, napkins, and peanuts were all available as well. Other home bar speakeasies I have encountered have been much cruder than this set-up, merely with Cornelius kegs a-float in ice, with plastic cups. More of a large crazy party scene. One thing you can count on with these home bar speakeasies is that the barkeep will have something special under the table. At times I have found t to Absinthe, Mugwort Liqueur, or Anise Liquor, so if you find yourself at one, you should ask about any specials available. It was in this manner that I first tasted a truly fine whisky – a rare treat, but still cheap at $10 a shot. The sweetness of it put it in a whole other category from what I had ever tasted before, and it had a kind of oily taste, hinting of vanilla, that only brought the term “snake liquor” to mind… and I could see why whisky got its reputation.
If you are eager to attend a home bar speakeasy, I recommend keeping your ears open and exploring different party scenes. You just might get the tip off that will greatly enhance your night. Or, barring that, why not build your own home bar? That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of a speakeasy without the potentially nasty legal implications. And as always, drink in good health.
