Rare finds, hidden gems, and the spirits that inspire us
Over the years, we've collected favorites from around the world and right here in DC. These aren't just drinks—they're memories, discoveries, and the bottles we reach for when we want something special. Here's what's in our personal collection.
Japan has a drinking culture unlike anywhere else. From craft beers to rare whiskeys, here are my favorites from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Kiuchi Brewery, Ibaraki
Belgian-style wheat ale with a Japanese soul. Brewed with coriander, nutmeg, and orange peel—my introduction to Japanese craft beer.
Japanese Lager
The one that started the "dry beer" revolution. Clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
Suntory Distillery, Japan
The whisky that put Japan on the world stage. Delicate, fruity, with hints of Mizunara oak you won't find anywhere else.
Coedo Brewery, Saitama
Brewed with Satsuma sweet potatoes from Kawagoe. Beautiful amber-red color with a sweet, roasted, distinctly Japanese taste.
Japanese Whisky
Bold and punchy at 51.4% ABV. A blend of over 100 batches—iconic bottle, even better liquid inside.
The bottles I hunt for, save for special occasions, and dream about. Some took years to find. All are worth the wait.
Kentucky Bourbon
The unicorn. Caramel, vanilla, oak—everything bourbon should be, perfected over 15 years.
Buffalo Trace, Frankfort KY
The original single barrel bourbon. Hand-selected, rich, spicy, with a long finish that keeps you coming back.
Speyside, Scotland
Eighteen years in Spanish sherry casks. Deep mahogany whisky with dried fruit, spice, and chocolate.
WhistlePig Farm, VT
Annual limited release with unique cask finishes. All incredible, all impossible to find.
Deep oak, leather, tobacco, and a sweetness that balances it all. Worth every bit of the hunt.
Islay, Scotland
The king of peat. Intense, polarizing, and absolutely fantastic. One of the few bottles I always keep stocked.
Our city has a thriving drinks scene. These are the local gems, hidden bar finds, and niche spirits I've discovered exploring DC's neighborhoods.
Northeast DC
The beer that put DC craft brewing on the map. Citrusy, hoppy, and proudly local.
Union Market District, DC
DC's first rum distillery. Made from real sugar cane—clean, grassy, perfect for daiquiris.
Ivy City, DC
Woman-owned, crowdfunded, and fiercely DC. Smooth as silk, and their Ivy City distillery is worth the visit.
Shaw, DC
A saison-style ale that's funky, complex, and dangerously drinkable. Their basement taproom is a favorite.
Jos. A. Magnus & Co., DC
Finished in DC with sherry and cognac casks. Stone fruit, tobacco, chocolate—incredibly complex.
Ivy City & Half Street, DC
California Common style—lagered ale, crisp and clean. Perfect for DC's humid summers.
The bars and restaurants that inspire our craft and keep us coming back.
Dupont | H Street, DC
A space that perfectly balances energy, flavor, and craft. Born from the same creative DNA as Copycat Co., Astoria blends bold Sichuan-inspired food with a confident cocktail program that doesn't try too hard—it just delivers. Strong drinks, thoughtful execution, and an atmosphere that works equally well for a casual night out or an intentional sit-down experience.
Fairfax, VA
The food is comforting yet playful, and the room always feels alive—but what truly makes Songbird exceptional is the bar program. Jason and Angela, who run it, are genuinely some of the best in the business. Their attention to detail, creativity, and hospitality set the tone for the entire experience. A space that consistently reminds me what a great bar program looks like.
Georgetown, DC
Where I go when I'm craving precision and restraint. The cocktails lean classic but never feel dated, and the atmosphere encourages conversation rather than distraction. Intimate, polished, and intentional—everything feels thought through without being overdesigned. L'Annexe represents the kind of quiet confidence I respect deeply in cocktail culture.
Dupont, DC
A reminder of why timeless bars never go out of style. There's an old-world sensibility here—low lighting, composed drinks, and a pace that invites you to slow down. A place I return to for well-executed classics and a refined environment that still feels welcoming rather than rigid.
U Street, DC
Pure personality. Creative, approachable, and unapologetically itself, it's a bar that understands both hospitality and fun. The cocktails are inventive without being pretentious, and the food holds its own just as strongly. A place where industry folks and regulars coexist naturally—and where I feel most at home letting my guard down while still appreciating the craft.
Want to try these favorites at your next event? Let's talk about crafting a custom menu for your occasion.