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WORDS Martina Murray ALSACE ROCKS! PRIME TIME DIS
TILLED This Spring brings news of the launch of The Distilled Experience, Bar 1661’s latest bespoke offering comprising a slick 90-minute spin through their greatest hits. If their full throttle three-hour Immersive Experience feels like a marathon, to our minds the Distilled version seems like a more lightly paced sprint. Early adopters are describing it as akin to a highlight reel featuring fourteen mini serves, sandwiched between their cult Belfast Coffee and wrapped up neatly with a delicious Irish Coffee. Guided by the team who’ve made this northside spot a global talking point, it successfully pulls off the delicate balancing act of being part tasting menu, part behind-the-scenes deep dive into their modern Irish drinks wizardry. With just ten seats available per session it all feels pretty intimate, and at €90 a head, the experience takes pride of place in their adjacent cocktail factory from 5pm to 6.30pm on Saturdays, nicely situated in prime pre-dinner mischief territory, perfect for date nights, mate nights or gifting glory. @bar1661dublin If your spring calendar could do with a drop of continental flair, then Sinead Smyth’s latest wine exploration featuring a passport-free hop to eastern France might be right up your alley. Promising a slick walkaround tasting that’s all about one of France’s most quietly brilliant regions, the Alsace Rocks pop-up covers the full aromatic spectrum, ranging from zippy Pinot Blanc, to lush Gewürztraminer, silky Pinot Gris, and laser-cut Riesling. In addition there’s a chance to taste some very elegant Crémant d’Alsace and a drop or two of scene-stealing Pinot Noir. The loose and sociable format includes a chance to wander and sip, chat to the wine pros, then circle back for a second splash of whatever you takes your fancy. There’ll be cheese and charcuterie doing God’s work alongside the glasses, plus a few spot prizes to sweeten the deal. Costing €30 a ticket via Eventbrite, Alsace Rocks takes place in Bewley’s of Grafton Street from 6–8pm, on Monday April 27th. À bientôt! Music news, reviews, recommendations, interviews, monthly event listings and a whole lot more besides. Plus it’s Free! APRIL ISSUE IS OUT NOW! Pick it up in selected music venues, bars, cafes, record stores and more.