The discreet entrance for Reverend JW Simpson can be found on Goodge Street. Furnished with the original upholstery, you’ll find Reverend JW Simpson to be a somewhat shabby-chic enticing cocktail bar, which also feels a bit like a secret society hub. This week they are celebrating Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – a Latin American and mainly Mexican holiday celebrated on the 1st of November.
They marked the celebration for this tradition by collaborating with tequila brand El Jimador and hosting a cocktail making session and tequila tasting. When you enter the establishment there’s a long corridor that takes you to small steps and then in essence what used to be the Reverend’s home, or so the assumption goes. The interior is quirky and unique, with the wallpaper peeling off or completely removed.
The walls are evidence of separate rooms that once existed here, from a living room, bedroom and kitchen, now with an incorporated hidden restroom. In this century the rooms have no walls dividing them and the bar is spacious but with a sense of intimacy created by the placement of furniture. The little nooks and positioned chairs offer a more romantic and private setting. Intimacy is enhanced with lit candles adorning every table and dimmed lighting throughout.
Their bartender Jay greeted us and spoke individually to each guest in an inviting and personable manner, setting the tone for the evening. We started with a unique one-to-one cocktail making session, which allows it to be more specific to each individual. We made the Calavera Catrina and Flores de los Muerto cocktails, both quite different concoctions. Polly taught us this short cocktail making class and her enthusiasm was catching. I learnt a few things from this and one of them is that you never use crushed ice when shaking. Seems quite a simple thing to know but I’ve truly never thought about it before. The second thing is to always use an odd number for garnishing your drink. Cocktail makers are quite superstitious and never garnish with an even number.
My favourite tequila-based cocktail to create was Calavera Catrina, especially as squid ink was the special ingredient and as Polly said, when it’s added to my drink it kills it by slowly turning it purplish black. The more you stir, the darker it gets, slowly killing your drink- a special one for Day of the Dead. It tasted sweet but with a sharp taste of agave and pepper, the garnish of choice for this drink. Served in a tall glass, every sip is delivered with a slight freshness.
The Flores de los Muerto was quite sour with a strong sharp tequila taste. This drink included their very own home-made hibiscus syrup. The session was informative and we learnt more about each drink that the bartenders created (amidst a lot of trial and error). Polly gave us a view into the world of bar tending chemistry (especially considering your drink could even include ingredients that may kill if not measured appropriately). It’s definitely the right time of month to learn that.
The wait for the tequila tasting was quite enjoyable as we tried another two cocktails. This time we opted for the Dam Son, which needs to be said with a lot of enthusiasm, and Rosita. The Dam Son had froth that tasted like apple with plums on the side- it tasted citrus-based but not too bitter. Served in a small beer glass, this would have to be my second favourite. The Rosita had a fresh cucumber scent and a strong flavour that really hits your throat. With tomato and cucumber as ingredients it’s surprising I couldn’t taste much of either.
Nikki, the brand ambassador for El Jimador, led the tequila tasting. She was extremely informative, telling the group about the importance of agave in tequila and that good quality tequila should always have 100% agave. We tasted three of El Jimador’s tequila range. Tequila should mainly be water and agave, the difference develops from the maturity of the spirit. The longer it stays in wood, the stronger it becomes. I could also see that the more mature it is the stronger the colour. My preference was the purest and clearest tequila, but I am a margarita girl after all. The strongest is usually most preferable for those with a love for rum and whiskey.
It’s quite a novelty taking part in tequila tasting and being able to taste the difference in the three. At the end Nikki brought over another shot for me that was even stronger than the three we trialled. All four had their distinct differences and made me feel like a tequila connoisseur (I’m most definitely still far from it).
Reverend JW Simpson is continuing its Spirited Sermons, teaching about spirits in innovative and involved ways for the next two months. So get ready for more cocktail making and shaking.
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