Speakeasy
The Jerry Thomas Project
Rome-City-Center
May 11, 2018
Jerry Thomas author of The Bon Vivant’s Companion is a bartending legend. He literally wrote the book on the art of the libation, one still consulted by those interested in the history and art of bartending. This most renowned of bartenders provides the inspiration, in every sense, for Leonardo Leuci’s Rome establishment. The bar is a speakeasy-style space – to gain access to the hallowed space you’re going to need a password which changes every two weeks. Once you’ve made it inside you’ll find yourself in an atmospheric bar, a handsome classic, red-walled space filled with elegant cream sofas and rich, dark wood, with the obligatory piano in the corner and a very well-stocked back-bar. Many of the bartenders sport dapper, era-appropriate moustaches a nice touch. Details count here, as evidenced by the quality of the drinks. The focus here is on pre-Prohibition drinks, perhaps not surprisingly, but they’re also interested in forgotten Italian spirits. They do a spot-on Sazerac and a flaming Blue Blazar, a Jerry Thomas staple. While it’s true that Rome isn’t overly-blessed with craft cocktail spots, this one is truly world class – by any standard and well deserving of the acclaim.
