Dupont’s Cosy New Cocktail Den Press Membership Hits All of the Proper Notes

Press Membership Cocktail Bar debuted in Dupont Circle this month with a curated record of drinks and music to match. The polished subterranean lounge comes from companions Will Patton and Devin Kennedy, who each have intensive expertise within the D.C. and New York bar scene, respectively (1506 nineteenth Avenue NW).

Press Membership, named for “urgent” of each data and meals components (and a nod to the close by nationwide establishment for journalists), divides drinks into two sections: the core “monitor record,” and a curated four-flight “playlist” expertise ($95) that options cocktail choices from the principle menu together with paired snacks from the kitchen. Bites embody Japanese-influenced objects like tempura shrimp with yuzu kosho and furikake, onigiri dressed with Oolong tea and nori, and a refreshing cucumber salad. The tasting menu is obtainable by reservation, whereas a la carte is obtainable for walk-ins. Meals is obtainable a la carte as effectively.

The dozen or so cocktails at Press Membership function a spectrum of spirits and types. The Temptation takes its cues from the margarita, mixing a base of blanco tequila with Chenin Blanc wine, mango, lime, and serrano peppers. Standing in for a Manhattan is the Satan in a New Costume, stirred up with Cognac, rye whiskey, cacao, strawberry, and Amontillado sherry. And the group says the flavors of vodka, lychee, yuzu sake, and lemon has the Paris, Tokyo exhibiting as an early visitor favourite.

In relation to mixing drinks, Kennedy describes himself as a minimalist, whereas Patton favors a extra culinary strategy with strategies like fat-washing, clarification, and infusion. In The Nights Over Egypt, for instance, he incorporates a yogurt wash in an try to mix a parfait with a New York Bitter.

Along with cocktails, Press Membership additionally affords the “20 XO” record, a collection of XO Cognacs and classic Armagnacs priced at $20 for a 1-ounce pour.

Rey Lopez

The menu is little question refined, however Kennedy and Patton each agree that the unifying philosophy behind the drinks is that they merely style good.

“We’re not making an attempt to indicate off to anyone and say, ‘have a look at us, we’re mad scientists,’” Patton says.

Past what’s within the glass, Press Membership bought a customized bar effectively from Sweden that emphasizes execution in all elements of constructing and serving a drink. Cocktails are ready with large-format ice to enhance aeration and dilution and produce drinks which are as constant as may be.

“The whole lot we’re doing is making an attempt very a lot to supply the best element and approach,” Patton says.

As a part of Hive Hospitality, the Press Membership group seems to be to hold ahead the custom of service that’s earned a collective three Michelin stars (Jônt and Bresca). The oblong-shaped bar’s small footprint means loads of time for dialog and questions between bartenders and visitors. On a current Saturday, the homeowners blended and mingled with the total home, telling clients about their cocktails and the huge vinyl library stocked on smooth wood cabinets.

“It’s not all in regards to the drinks,” Kennedy says. “We’ve been round some time — we are able to make a great drink. However typically, it’s in regards to the totality of the expertise.”

Rey Lopez

Rey Lopez