For fans of Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery in Butchertown, the opening of its ALEX&NDER rooftop bar has been a long time coming. They knew it would represent more than just another good watering hole, they knew it would be first rate like everything else the state’s lone brandy distillery does: innovative, modern, artistic and just plain cool, too.
ALEX&NDER is the manifestation of a brandy-centric cocktail bar envisioned by owners Joe and Lesley Heron. And since they make gin and absinthe as well, expect those on the list, too.
“Who wouldn’t want to have a bar where nearly all of what’s featured on the shelves is your own products,” said Joe Heron. Wines and cocktail amendments C&K doesn’t make, but which are needed for drinks with classic lineage, are interspersed throughout the bar, but by and large, all else bears the & for which its known.
Nope. No bourbon or tequila. (Yet at least.) This is all about grape distillate, not grain or agave.
“Our timing was just great—OK, we were lucky as hell,” Heron told me months ago when the overhaul of the distillery’s upstairs party room—a glass-walled, third-floor space with a dramatic view of Louisville’s skyline—began. “The law (prohibiting drinks sales at distilleries) changed in our favor, and we were really eager to take advantage of it.”
Want crazy good brandy cocktails? This is your place. The bartenders here have mad skills, and you’ll recognize them from around town.
Try a Negroni, made with Copper & Kings dry gin, when you’re there. Photo by Steve Coomes
Wait, what’s that? You’ve never had a brandy cocktail? Then class is in session, a class you’ll never cut, I’m sure.
You’ll recognize many names on the list: side car, Negroni, old fashioned, etc. But if you’re an open-minded cocktail fan, prepare to be wowed by the brandy and gin-based versions you’ll get here.
On Monday’s Industry Night preview, I had only time for one (a Negroni, of course) before leaving. It was fabulous; one of the best I’ve had in Louisville. My wife raved equally about the Gin Gin Mule made with C&K’s ginger beer—the most flavorful ginger beer you’ll find in this market. (Don’t buy it if you don’t want to get hooked on it.)
ALEX&NDER is gorgeous, spacious and includes an expansive outdoor deck. Go see it for yourself. If you’ve grown fond of events held in the courtyard downstairs, just wait until you come upstairs.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday, 5-11 p.m.
Experience great cocktails like you’ve never had them in Louisville. Go to ALEX&NDER.
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