Royal Knights: Get the 4-1-1 on Vermouth

Vermouth is having a moment, and it’s been the cornerstone of the beverage program at The Royal in LeDroit Park since its June 2015 opening. The only bar in DC to serve its own housemade vermouth on tap, The Royal is now expanding guests’ knowledge of the aromatized aperitif, with the latest edition of its monthly “Royal Knights” industry night series – “Get the 4-1-1 on Vermouth” – aptly taking place on Monday, April 11 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Royal’s former beverage director Horus Alvarez is returning from his new home in the Boston area to guest-bartend with current bar manager Lee Carrell for the evening, which will feature a sneak peak of a brand-new, spring seasonal house vermouth (before its official launch next month), a whole menu of vermouth-centric cocktails, vermouth porrons, and even fiery vermouth shots set aflame.

Alvarez and Carrell have collaborated on a brand new spring/summer house vermouth, a seasonal variation on its year-round vermouth, dispensed from a vintage fire extinguisher. The duo say the new vermouth “is going to be more bright for the warm-weather season, with some fresh herbs, rhubarb, and rosé wine. We’ll even be adding some rose petals for florality and aromatics.” The evening will serve as a sneak peak at the new offering, which will officially launch next month with a barrel-tapping party after aging for several weeks in a 53-gallon barrel.

Alvarez and Carrell have also created nine specialty cocktails for the night, highlighting unique French, Spanish and American-made vermouths such as Miro from Spain, Dolin from France, Cocchi from Italy, Uncouth from Brooklyn, Imbue from Oregon, and of course, The Royal’s own house vermouth.

Alvarez, who made a name for himself as one of DC’s aperitif experts, has created the following drinks:

Carrell highlights the extensive variety of vermouths he stocks at The Royal’s bar, in cocktails such as:

For those feeling bold, Alvarez created the Vermouth en Fuego shot, a blend of Italian, French and American vermouths, 151 rum and spices, literally served on fire. And a limited number of porrons, the communal Spanish drinking vessel, will be available for those who choose to drink their aperitifs with friends or in daring fashion. All vermouths will also be available to enjoy on their own.

This is part of The Royal’s “Royal Knights” event series, where on the second Monday of each month, they focus on a new batch of craft spirits, lesser-known liqueurs, and the creative people who make them, hosting guest-bartenders from around the country and introducing guests to creative new brands in the booze industry. Royal Knights on May 9 will center around Mezcal.

The Royal’s monthly “Royal Knights” industry nights are free and open to the public, running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the second Monday of every month. Details for subsequent “Royal Knights” nights will be announced closer to each event. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.

WHO:The Royal Bar Manager Lee Carrell

501 Florida Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001