Photos by Imara Chew
As of this past Friday, long-awaited restaurant-sized warm hearth of bourbon barrel walls and draft whiskey cocktails Alden & Harlow opened, helmed by (and is the first solo effort of) local culinary star Michael Scelfo.
It’s named for a 20th century Boston architectural firm, goes the shared-plates route (tip: claim the chef’s table, order some chicken-fried rabbit or their Island Creek Oyster Gratin and never look back), and is not afraid to hang a bunch of old-timey light fixtures over a granite bar. Which happen to be perfect lighting for you to indulge in some serious sampling of their wares overseen by bar manager Seth Freidus, protege of the bar lords from the old B-Side Lounge in Cambridge, and Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square.
Below, some of our favorites. Sure, favorites can be tried all at once in the same sitting. If you get thrown out we don’t know you, though.
(From left): The Bell Tower, Hot Tiger’s Milk, Dr. Zaius, McGregor’s Garden
The Bell Tower
What’s in it: Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Carpano Antica, Green Chartreuse, Rosemary and Ginger Essence.
Cost: $11
Hot Tiger’s Milk
What’s in it: House Spiced Rum, Demerara Rum, Coconut, Honey, Bitters, Cinnamon and Orange Oil
Cost: $10
Dr. Zaius
What’s in it: Privateer Silver and Old Monk Rum, banana, pineapple, lime, Angostura bitters.
Cost: $11
McGregor’s Garden
What’s in it: Fighting Cock Bourbon, spiced parsnip puree, Benedictine, lemon.
Cost: $10
[Alden & Harlow, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-864-2100. aldenandharlow.com]