Walking The Plank with Under Current
Just three blocks East of Salt Lake City's Main Street, tucked between a world class seafood restaurant and a much loved local French style patisserie lies a bar on the cutting edge of Salt Lake City's craft cocktail movement. Here, bartenders skillfully marry a variety of potent potables pulled from an impressive collection of spirits and ingredients to create unique cocktails that leave a lasting impression on all those who choose to navigate these dark and spirit filled waters. I am speaking of course, about Under Current. One of the best bars you may not have heard of, that said, let your friendly neighborhood Spirit Guide take you deep into the cocktail filled currents.
The Interior:
A beautiful marble bar top, exposed brick, dark wood and metal furnishings and warm lighting all work to set the scene accordingly. This is a bar that feels upscale without being pretentious, in fact it's quite the opposite. It feels inviting, and one may find themselves wanting to stay a little longer than originally intended. The spirit collection lining the wall behind the bar also catches the eye. An impressive selection of spirits, ranging from the staples, to the rare and exotic can be found here, and there is something for even the most discriminating of tastes.
The People:
Anyone who has spent time in a bar can attest, your bartender has a large influence in how your bar experience unfolds, and here you can feel that the dedicated crew at Under Current are closer to family than coworkers. Pleasant conversation, and deep knowledge of the spirits on offer are a huge plus you'll find here, it's this knowledge and positive attitude that helps to foster discovery and education for those who seek it. Another gem in this sea of cocktails, is bar manager Natalie Hamilton, who with one hand on the helm and the other on the cocktail shaker, helps lead this rowdy crew of cocktail slingers from behind the bar (as it should be). Her enthusiasm for cocktails and their ingredients is palpable, and a big influence on those around her.
The Drinks:
As you may have guessed, the best comes last. Because, let's be honest, if we opened with how great the drinks are, you wouldn't read the rest! Under Current has an amazing cocktail program, and this season's menu only serves to illustrate this point. To those who frequent our social media, videos, or follow our site, it is well known that I am a proud acolyte of the Cult of Tiki. So it should come as no surprise that when the seasonal menu of "Harvest Tiki" was announced, it was inevitable that I would walk the plank and dive into the depths (for science...). You'll find just a few of our favorites below, but really, there are no bad choices here.
As always, keep the spirit.
The Interior:
A beautiful marble bar top, exposed brick, dark wood and metal furnishings and warm lighting all work to set the scene accordingly. This is a bar that feels upscale without being pretentious, in fact it's quite the opposite. It feels inviting, and one may find themselves wanting to stay a little longer than originally intended. The spirit collection lining the wall behind the bar also catches the eye. An impressive selection of spirits, ranging from the staples, to the rare and exotic can be found here, and there is something for even the most discriminating of tastes.
The People:
Anyone who has spent time in a bar can attest, your bartender has a large influence in how your bar experience unfolds, and here you can feel that the dedicated crew at Under Current are closer to family than coworkers. Pleasant conversation, and deep knowledge of the spirits on offer are a huge plus you'll find here, it's this knowledge and positive attitude that helps to foster discovery and education for those who seek it. Another gem in this sea of cocktails, is bar manager Natalie Hamilton, who with one hand on the helm and the other on the cocktail shaker, helps lead this rowdy crew of cocktail slingers from behind the bar (as it should be). Her enthusiasm for cocktails and their ingredients is palpable, and a big influence on those around her.
The Drinks:
As you may have guessed, the best comes last. Because, let's be honest, if we opened with how great the drinks are, you wouldn't read the rest! Under Current has an amazing cocktail program, and this season's menu only serves to illustrate this point. To those who frequent our social media, videos, or follow our site, it is well known that I am a proud acolyte of the Cult of Tiki. So it should come as no surprise that when the seasonal menu of "Harvest Tiki" was announced, it was inevitable that I would walk the plank and dive into the depths (for science...). You'll find just a few of our favorites below, but really, there are no bad choices here.
- Mariner's Revenge: Bourbon, Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, Laphroiag 10 year, Lime, 5 Spice Cider Syrup, and Cinnamon
- This drink is everything I love about Tiki and autumn in one glass. Bold notes of spice, that wonderful overripe banana funk, and smoke with apple vanilla undertones. Boozy. I really cannot say enough good about this cocktail other than I urge you to have one post-haste, did I mention it's boozy? Easily one of the best cocktails I've had this year.
- Open Sesame: Peated Gin, Ramazotti, Black Rice, Black Sesame, Orgeat, Lemon, Chai Bitters
- Light and refreshing with just a hint of that iodine peat funk, with a nutty creaminess that clings to your taste buds. The finish is not too long, but it's not short either; filled with spice.
- Bad Dad: Mezcal, Strega, Genepy, Yellow Chartreuse, Coconut honey, Lime, Cherry vanilla, cola
- Lovely mezcal smokiness with some vegetal notes. Plenty of herbal goodness, courtesy of the Genepy and Yellow chartreuse, with a sweet but still slightly medicinal finish. Delicious and spirit forward, just the way we like it.
- VooDoo Mama JuJu: Angostura, Gin, Falernum, Ginger, Lime, Orgeat, Coconut Stout, Nutmeg
- A somehow spicy, medicinal, fruity and refreshing glass of goodness, all in one. We're convinced there's definitely some kind of voodoo involved.
- Grog Nog: Cognac, Aged Rum, Fino, Chamomile, Whole Egg, Nutmeg, Bitters
- Dessert in a glass. Imagine a decadent eggnog, but then add notes of vanilla, and caramel sweetness found in Cognac and floral highlights of chamomile. Its a wonderfully smooth consistency, and finishes with spices and nutmeg. If I didn't know better, I'd say we skipped straight to Christmas, as drinking this conjures images of the holidays in front of a fresh cut tree and the fireplace.
- Hijo Palms: Holystone Navy Strength Gin, Banana liqueur, Allspice Swedish Punsch, Amondatillo, Ube, Coconut, Pineapple, Lime, and Matcha
- This drink is a kaleidoscope of flavors. Crisp botanicals combine beautifully with the tartness of citrus and pineapple, which then leads into a spicy, creamy sweetness. Also, it's a beautiful shade of opaque lavender purple, thanks to the fresh Ube. It's somehow a perfect summer drink that is also at home in the cold nights of autumn.
The Verdict**:
Under Current has a beautiful space, and a friendly staff who always bring's their A-Game. Their most recent releases however, are another level entirely. My recommendation? Bring plenty of friends, and plan on catching an Uber home, because you'll find yourself trying the entire menu; we certainly did.
Under Current can be found at:
270 S 300 E in downtown Salt Lake City, open daily from 4:00pm to 1:00am.
Under Current can be found at:
270 S 300 E in downtown Salt Lake City, open daily from 4:00pm to 1:00am.
As always, keep the spirit.
-Steve
Spirit Guides Resident Rum Guy and Keeper of Tiki
**It is important to note that all drinks were paid for by Spirit Guides staff, this is not a paid review**
Comments
Post a Comment