The Neuro Bar: A Peek Behind the Curtain

Every bartender has their sanctuary. For some, it’s the quiet calm of a bar before the doors open. For others, it's the thrilling chaos of a Saturday night rush. For me, my true sanctuary is my home bar—a personal space that is equal parts laboratory, library, and refuge. I call it The Neuro Bar.

The name, "The Neuro Bar," might sound a little formal or even clinical. However, it's a fitting title for a place built on a deep love for understanding how things work. "Neuro" is short for neurodivergent, but it’s also a nod to my obsession with the "why" of things. Why do these flavors work together? Why does this specific spirit make a cocktail sing? And why does a particular drink feel so good to sip at the end of a long day? This bar is my personal quest to understand the brain and body of a cocktail, from the spirits that form its foundation to the meticulously crafted menu that guides the experience.

The Spirits: My Curated Collection

Building a home bar is a deeply personal journey. There are no right or wrong answers, only bottles that speak to you and your palate. When I first started, I made a list of the "essentials" that every bar should have. However, I've learned that a bar should be a reflection of its owner. Over time, I’ve built a collection based on what I love to drink, what I love to experiment with, and what I believe makes for a truly versatile and exciting bar. It's a collection that has been carefully curated over time, not just for popular demand, but for flavor, versatility, and sheer creative potential.

Whiskey/Rye/Bourbon

The whiskey section is the heart of my bar. My roster of whiskeys goes well beyond the essentials. I have everything from a classic Buffalo Trace 6yr Sazerac Rye and Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon to unique bottles like WhistlePig Old World 12yr Rye and Glendronach 18yr Whiskey.

I also have some fun, non-traditional selections like Howler Head Banana Whiskey and Screwball PB Whiskey. My collection includes a range of styles, from the dependable Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon to the peated notes of Monkey's Shoulder Batch 27 Scotch.

Gin

Gin is an absolute essential. The botanical complexity of a good gin offers endless opportunities for mixing. My selection is diverse, featuring the likes of Aviation Gin, Barr Hill Gin, and Hendricks Neptunia Gin.

For classic cocktails, I rely on Beefeater Gin and Tanqueray London Dry Gin. More modern takes, like the color-changing Empress 1908 Gin, provide a fun element of surprise.

Vodka

While some people might find vodka boring, I see it as a clean canvas for endless creativity. I keep a variety of bottles on hand, from the versatile Titos Handmade Vodka and Reyka Vodka to flavored options like Absolut Citron and Cathedral Ledge Fig Vodka.

My collection also includes Meili Vodka, which is the choice for our house vodka.

Rum

Rum is the most versatile and diverse spirit on my bar. I keep an extensive collection, from Appleton Estate 21yr and Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum to Planteray OFTD Overproof Dark Rum, providing a full spectrum of flavor for any tiki concoction.

My collection includes everything from the reliable Cruzan Aged Light Rum to the potent Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, giving me a huge range of options.

Amaros

My collection of amaros is a playground for flavor. I have a wide range, from the classic Amaro Nonino and Averna to the more unusual Bully Boy Rabarbaro Amaro and the Non-Alcoholic Dr. Zero Zero AmarNO. This category is where a lot of the magic happens, adding complexity and depth to a variety of cocktails.

Liqueurs/Other

My collection also includes a wide array of other liqueurs, from the essential Green Chartreuse and Ancho Reyes Chili Liquor to sweeter options like Giffard Banane du Bresil and the essential St. Elizabeth All Spice Dram.

I also have some rare and experimental spirits from the Empirical line, including Symphony 6, which is one of my favorites and always stocked.

Mixers & Garnishes

The final touches are just as important as the spirits. I don't just use standard mixers; I use high-quality ones like Q Mixers. I also make my own house-made syrups and liqueurs and have a wide array of bitters, from Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters and Black Walnut Bitters to Honest John Coffee-Cherry Bitters.

Essential garnishes and other ingredients like Candied Ginger, Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, and Assorted Citrus ensure that I can make virtually any cocktail on the spot.

This entire collection is a reflection of a personal journey and a passion for the craft. Every bottle, every ingredient, and every unique creation on the menu tells a story. It’s a physical manifestation of a love for hospitality and an endless curiosity about what makes a perfect drink.

The Neuro Bar Cocktail Menu

The cocktail menu at The Neuro Bar is my creative outlet. I change it around a bit, with the exception of a few standard items. This is where I let my inner mad scientist loose, featuring my own creations with unusual ingredients and surprising flavor combinations. It’s here that I get to play with the sensory and psychological aspects of a drink.

As you can see from the menu, the drinks are a testament to creative exploration. Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a complete and cohesive flavor experience.

Cracker Jack Old Fashioned

This cocktail plays on nostalgia. The AFC & Co Cracker Jack Whiskey provides a rich caramel and nutty base. I complement this with the deep, molasses-like flavor of Demerara sugar and the toasty, bittersweet notes of Black Walnut Bitters. A pinch of Fleur de Sel enhances all the flavors and provides a subtle contrast, while the Kettle Corn garnish adds a delightful aroma and a hint of sweet and salty crunch.

AFC & Co Espresso Martini

This is a twist on a modern classic, designed for both flavor and energy. The Meili Vodka provides a clean, neutral spirit that allows the rich, dark notes of the House Cold Brew and Luxardo Espresso to shine. A touch of Aztec Chocolate Bitters adds a hint of spice and a deep, earthy cocoa flavor that provides a pleasant counterpoint to the coffee. The saline helps to round out and amplify all the flavors on the palate.

Symphony of Blood

This cocktail is all about layers of flavor. The Empirical Symphony 6 is a smoky, savory spirit that acts as a canvas for the other ingredients. The bright, tart yuzu and the deep, roasted flavor of blood orange create a vibrant and complex citrus component. The Currant-Fig Syrup adds a dark, rich fruitiness, and a few drops of Orange Blossom Water provide a fragrant, floral aroma that lifts the entire drink, making it a truly sensory experience.

Mais Con Yelo

A playful and surprising drink, this cocktail is a celebration of texture and unexpected pairings inspired by a classic Filipino snack of the same name. The Nixta Corn Liqueur brings a toasty, earthy sweetness that works beautifully with the creamy, tropical notes of the Cream of Coconut. The lime provides the necessary acidity to cut through the richness, while a hint of saline makes all the flavors pop. The Frosted Corn Flake Cereal garnish is a fun, textural element that hints at the inspiration.

Candied Sweet Potato Sidecar

An autumnal take on a classic, this drink brings together warm and bright flavors. The Corbin Cash Sweet Potato Liqueur offers a comforting, earthy sweetness that is perfectly matched by the orange and brandy notes of Grand Marnier. The lemon provides a crisp, tart counterpoint, while a hint of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram adds a warming, spiced element that ties all the flavors together. The House Candied Ginger garnish adds a final touch of sweetness and spice.

Yuzu Umeboshi Highball

This highball is a study in Japanese flavors. The Toki Suntory Japanese Whiskey is a light, clean spirit that allows the unique citrus and salty notes to take center stage. Yuzu Juice and Marmalade deliver a complex, aromatic citrus flavor that is both bright, floral, and slightly bitter. The Umeboshi Plum adds a subtle, salty-sour kick that provides incredible depth and makes the drink unbelievably refreshing, while the Bay Laurel provides a subtle herbal finish.

I find that changing the menu keeps the experience fresh and exciting, both for me and for my guests. It allows me to explore new spirits and techniques, while the standard classics ensure that anyone who walks through my door can get a drink they love.

The Neuro Bar is my personal canvas. It’s a place where a deep understanding of flavors meets the joy of a perfect drink. I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve.