by Chrissy Iley
The world’s greatest sommelier, Gerard Bassett, once told me he saw wines as pieces of music. When he tasted a Chablis for instance he saw its light crispness as a piece of Mozart.
I’ve often wondered what certain songs would taste like – would Happy be a Margarita? I always find tequila the most uplifting spirit so maybe Happy would be its soul.
Would Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill involve Kahlúa or would it need to be an espresso martini? The running would need some kind of caffeine.
This week I got to taste Bob Dylan. His iconic album Blood On The Tracks is now an iconic cocktail. The drink consisted of Templeton Rye, Cherry Herring, Extra Dry Vermouth, Black Walnut Bitters and Port reduction. It was kind of blood-like, in a good way. Dark and broody, the cherry flavoured aftertaste was rather haunting. I got to imbibe liquid Dylan and I enjoyed it immensely.
Templeton Rye partnered with The Darkroom and Rock Paper Photo to set iconic images of Bob Dylan together with cocktails. We were able to toast Dylan with the cocktails while his spirit quite literally filled ours.
The Darkroom is a cozy neighbourhood bar with a rock vibe. It feels easy and welcoming. Never more so than with fabulous Dylan art on the walls and a new cocktail menu consisting of Dylan songs.
Tangled Up in Blue was a frisky combination of Templeton Rye, Blueberry mint syrup and lemon. A very easy drink. I could have done a night of them. Also on offer was Highway 61, which was one Templeton Rye (3 rotating takes on it) with chili, honey, banana and vanilla.
Idol Wind was super intense. It was chili infused with orange and grapefruit bitters. It felt like a Wild West saloon bar.
I didn’t try Seven Curses (a bootleg album track), which was chili infused rye, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Regans’ Orange Bitters, and Guinness infused sugar cube. It sounded rather potent. I’m sure it was.
I like the way a Rye based cocktail could be very feminine, feline even, as well as hardcore and glinting with machismo. I love the combination of music and cocktails, such an ice breaker, such a talking point.
I also love rock music and iconic photos. They go together seamlessly.
Bob Dylan is the first of many exhibits. In the coming weeks there will be several new old school legends appearing on the walls of The Darkroom. Can`t wait for the next one.
The Darkroom Unveils Bob Dylan Photography Exhibit, 7302 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036.