From our friends at Rí Rá Georgetown...
Specialty Bar Boasts Extensive Selection of Irish Whiskeys & “Whiskey Duels”
Rí Rá Georgetown (3123-3125 M Street, NW; 202-751-2111) will unveil its highly anticipated Whiskey Room this Friday, January 24. Located on the restaurant’s second floor, the specialty bar will feature an extensive selection of whiskeys from around the world, offered by the glass or as “Whiskey Duels,” and a menu of contemporary Irish small plates.
In lieu of the standard whiskey flight, Rí Rá Georgetown introduces “Whiskey Duels,” an exciting activity to entertain the whiskey aficionado and novice with the nuances of different whiskeys from around the globe. The Whiskey Duels offer beginners an opportunity to start with the basics and those well-versed in whiskey the chance to put their taste and knowledge to the test. The duels, varying in price, will include head to head match-ups of some of the finest whiskey selections served in Glencairn crystal nosing glasses paired on handcrafted Vermont White Birch tasting disks.
Guests can experience differences in flavor based on the methods of distillation and aging. Duels include “Barrel Aged vs. Unaged” and “Port Casks vs. Sherry Casks.” Rye drinkers can opt for “The Sparring of the Ryes” duel to savor the distinction between Bulliet Rye vs. James E. Pepper Rye 100 Proof ($15). Those looking to expand their knowledge in whiskey origin can contest with “Irish Peat vs. Scottish Peat”—a Connemara single cask vs. Ardbeg Uigdail single malt ($18) and “Atlantic vs. Pacific”—a Highland Park 18 year old vs. Yamazaki 18 year old ($30).
In addition, the Whiskey Room selection showcases some of the rarest whiskeys in the world. Aficionados are invited to sample two of these offerings with the “Very Rare vs. Extra Rare” duel—Midleton Very Rare vs. Crown Royal Extra Rare ($30). While one whiskey rolls from vanilla toffee to cream soda and the other tastes of raisins, cocoa and brown sugar, both are of high esteem and sure to spark a debate of which one is rarer. Pricier duels include a $165 “Battle of the 30 Year Olds,” a showdown between Balvenie 30 year old vs. Macallan Fine Oak 30 year old. The most expensive duel tops off at $180, highlighting “Top Shelf vs. Bottom Shelf” with Knappogue Vintage 1951 (the oldest and rarest Irish whiskey available in the world today) vs. Knappogue 12 year old.
To accompany the Whiskey Room’s impressive beverage selection, patrons can delight in a contemporary Irish small plates menu designed by Rí Rá Executive Chef, Christian Struck. Crafted with true Irish flair and prepared with local ingredients, the small plates pair exceptionally well with the exclusive whiskeys offered. Mouth-watering plates such as duck confit—pan seared potato cake with whiskey bacon jam, whiskey garlic mussels and WR sliders—prime beef, Jameson glazed bacon, Irish cheddar and Sweet Farm curtido, served on a bakery pretzel bun, are all under $11 and perfect for sharing. Lighter options include a roasted grape salad and smoked salmon blini—Burren Irish smoked salmon, boxty blini, pickled red onions and lemon aïoli. Guests looking for just a bite can enjoy small sides—a shot of potato & leek soup, savory hand cut fries and more.
Current hours are as follows: Monday – Sunday 5pm until close. For more information, visit Rí Rá Georgetown online at www.rira.com/georgetown/
About Rí Rá Georgetown:
Born and raised in Dublin, Rí Rá Georgetown owners David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan have been close friends since they were 14-years-old. Kelly and Sheehan later partnered with Jay Luther, whom Kelly met while working for Guinness. Rí Rá Georgetown is the 11th location operating in the U.S.
