Have a Look at the Dead Sexy, Cotton & Reed opening Nov. 12th

1330 5th Street, NE

I recognize that I’ve been saying dead sexy a lot but when I see something that is dead sexy I have no other way to describe it:

Photo by Farrah Skeiky

Right? I was very lucky to get an early look last night. It’s located in the strip of warehouses right across the street from the main Union Market complex. Hard to believe this is behind those front doors:

Photo by Farrah Skeiky

From a fact sheet:

“Cotton & Reed combines the first and last names of co-owners Reed Walker and Jordan Cotton, formerly consultants to NASA and the space industry.

Opening date: Saturday, November 12th, 12:00 p.m.
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight Saturday & Sunday, noon to midnight
Reservations: No reservations are taken for cocktail bar hours, but distillery tours and private events can be reserved by contacting [email protected]
Owners: Jordan Cotton & Reed Walker
Distiller: Chas Jefferson
Engineer: Dr. Jen Phelps
Herbalist and Cocktail Specialist: Lukas B. Smith [Ed. Note: This guy is the man!]

Cotton & Reed is DC’s only distillery and bar for rum nerds. The distillery was started by former consultants to NASA and the space industry and is staffed by DC’s most technically-minded drink talents. Cotton & Reed balances unusual molasses and sugar varieties, rare botanicals, and distinctive yeast strains give our rums the depth to punch up any cocktail.

More info and photos after the jump.

Starting with white and dry spiced rums, Cotton & Reed is bringing something truly new to your shelf. Our spirits are best experienced in cocktails. The bar and tasting room is helmed by Lukas B. Smith, one of DC’s most inventive bartenders. Draft cocktails, house sodas on the gun, and limited release spirits available only on-site make the bar in Cotton & Reed’s historic warehouse next to Union Market a destination worth seeking out.

Launch Products:

White Rum : A complex cocktail spirit that brings cane’s inherent flavor into focus. Belgian saison yeast and wild Pineapple yeast turn our unusual blend of Louisiana sugars into a cane spirit with personality.

Dry Spiced Rum : A re-imagination of an often ignored spirit. Unusual ingredients lend depth of flavor far beyond the expected baking spices, and a stingy use of sugar brings maturity to this worthy cocktail ingredient and shot.

Price range (bottles): White Rum $30
Dry Spiced Rum: $35
Price range (cocktails): $10 to $14 for cocktails $5 1oz. shot
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Square feet: Tasting room: 750 Distillery: 2500
Capacity: 61
Architects: CORE”

Photo by Farrah Skeiky
Photo by Farrah Skeiky

The Liquid Nostalgia was my favorite.  I tried four of them.  Yes I’m struggling right now. But it was well worth it!