“The cocktail is America’s only true culinary gift to the world.”
Just a few days before we attended a Bookalokal class hosted by T. Marshall Fawley III, a founding member and CEO of Scofflaws Den LLC (a spirit and cocktail education and consulting company), we had been reading about the history of Moonshine. There’s just something about the history of booze that gives us a nerdgasm.
Bookalokal was one of those things that both intimidated us (because of going to a private residence), but also intrigued us (for the exact same previously stated reason). But, what it comes down to is a way for people all over the world to connect with other individuals in small culinary settings creating a social dining network connecting all who love to eat and drink.
Originally born in Brussels, DC has recently acquired their own collection of hosts whose topics range from various cocktail classes (basic bar tending, history, tiki, etc.) to small cooking classes centered around an entire meal – think everything from brunch to dinner, to bread and pasta making. It’s the intimate setting that really makes this network…work. The best part, these once in a life time experiences are affordable. For less than what you might spend going out with the people you’re already familiar with, a Bookalokal event not only introduces you to new friends, but is hosted in a pleasant, easy to hear/talk setting that encourages discussion, learning, and a good time.
Marshall’s class was especially fantastic given our weird obsession with history and booze. (Well, perhaps it’s not that weird, because this obsession is obviously a reason this particular class even exists.) Walking us through the first time the word cocktail was used, and then printed with a definition in 1803, all the way through the temperance movement to how prohibition effected the sale and production of alcohol. It was news to us that the Kennedy’s (yup, those Kennedy’s) made their fortune running liquor from Canada. One thing we never expected to hear was Marshall saying, “Prohibition was the best thing to happen to alcohol.”
Do you know what it takes for bourbon to be considered bourbon? No? We didn’t either. Marshall did though! While bourbon can be produced in any state to be legally called bourbon your mash bill (grains) must have a minimum of 51% corn and no higher than 80%. Bourbon can’t be higher than 160 proof and no lower than 80 when distilling. Bourbon must be put in a brand new, charred, American made oak barrel for aging, and must be aged for a minimum of 2 years. However, if aged less than 4 the label must say how many years it was aged.
While receiving our history lesson, Marshall was busy in his home bar (aka kitchen) concocting three drinks for us while simultaneously bringing out drink/history related books, and props. This guy has his own little museum in the living room. We sampled Philadelphia Fish House Punch (a drink nearly every hunting/fishing/men’s clubs had their own recipe for back in 1863), the Corpse Reviver II (found in The Savoy Cocktail Book published in 1930), and a Mint Julep.
Intrigued yet? Bookalokal wants to offer 10% off your first booking with code EPICUREANDC. In addition, if you go through this Bookalokal link to sign up you’ll receive $10 credit to put toward a booking. If you decide you’d rather be a host, you’ll receive a $20 credit. So do it. Sign up. Meet some new friends (or turn your event into a private party), and get learning.

- Passport 2-for-1 Drink Program Comes to DC + Launch Party May 20 - May 11, 2015
- In The Kitchen With Grand Trunk: Savor 1,600 miles of South Asian Cuisine in 1 Quick Serve Menu - April 30, 2015
- Products With A Purpose: 5 Food-Related Earth Friendly Products For Conscientious Consumers - April 6, 2015
- Art Institute of Washington Introduces GETCreative Courses for Teens & Adults + Goat Cheese Ice Cream Recipe - March 12, 2015
- Union Market to Host Cochon 555 Heritage Pig Culinary Competition March 22, 2015 - March 9, 2015
- W Hotel DC’s New Root Cellar Whiskey Bar Offers Happy Hour 5-8pm Monday through Friday - February 12, 2015
- IMUSA Chinese New Year Steamed Veggies & Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe - February 2, 2015
- Curried Stone Crab Risotto Recipe: Sponsored by RSVP International - February 2, 2015
- In The Kitchen With Medium Rare: The Best Brunch Deal In The District - January 28, 2015
- Waterfront Station Hosts First SOUP-er Bowl Competition & Taste-off January 24 - January 21, 2015
I do not drink, haven’t for years because I have either been pregnant or nursing. Sounds like a great deal though!
Sounds like a great deal if you live in that area and drink alcohol!! I will have to tell a few of my friends about it!
That sounds really cool. It makes me wish I lived closer.
My husband would love this! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like so much fun! Wish I lived closer!
This sounds really cool if you live in that area!
This sounds like a fantastic deal. A tasty one also.
This would be
A fun evening out! Or a gift IDea
wish I lived closer, sounds like a fun night out.
This sounds like such a blast and delicious too!
this sounds like an amazing evening. Wish it was closer to me.
I have never heard of Bookalokal before. But, it sounds like it was interesting to attend.
I love that the presentation was so well-rounded. And of course, drink samples never hurt.
Sounds like a really fun time..wish we lived closer…my hubby would enjoy this.
Wishing I lived closer so that I could be apart of this fun!!
Wish I was closer. That sounds like a ton of fun!
I would definitely check this out if I was in the region, it sounds great!
I really love the concept and wish it was available in my area. But now I know it is available in two cities I visit I will check it out:) TFS
Sounds like a great time! We were just in DC and I explored your blog for ideas! thanks!
This sounds like a really interesting concept. I’d totally try it at least once! Thanks for sharing the discount.
Pingback: In The Kitchen With Lebanese Taverna: Innovative Summer Cocktails by The Menehune Group + From the Menu Recipes | Exploring Food & Drink in D.C.