Reviews
Just recently opened after 2 year hiatus these reviews & pics don’t reflect new place went in opening night, room is ok doesn’t have the same vibe as the last place, literally just another cocktail bar in Sydney. Server was nice. Ordered two cocktails, tomorrows party and for a few pesos more, both were undrinkable, too much Campari and other was gritty like pepto bismol. Server apologised and took them away, then to my surprise on the bill tried to charge us for them even when we hadn’t drank them. Was told nothing she could do but could ask the manager, then low and behold came back with them off the bill. This shouldn’t of even happened especially on opening night. Overheard next to us a couple ordering food and they were told they’d ran out of cheese, an hour and a half after opening Sadly would not go back which is a shame as the last place was absolutely banging.
I attended a whiskey tasting event. Absolutely fantastic event in a private area. I learnt so much about the history and the many manufacturing processes. Tasting was the best part. I was surprised to taste how much 3 drops of H2O can change a whisky. Some good and others... not a good idea to add it.
Loved the ambiance.Great place to treat your loved one.Cocktails were out of the world.Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about their products.
With the cool weather starting now, my palate has moved from gin to whisky. To get ready for the winter season, I visited a couple of whisky bars to keep you informed about where to drink this warming amber spirit. First, I got reacquainted with an oldie but a goodie – Eau-de-Vie in Darlinghurst. I was reminded of Sven Almenning’s moody speakeasy tucked in the rear of the Kirketon Hotel because he recently embarked upon a three-million-dollar equity crowdfunding drive for an upcoming bar venture. As all that Almenning touches usually turns to gold, it seemed like a great opportunity for customers to get in on the ground floor on a Nick & Nora’s Melbourne after the successful launch of Nick & Nora’s Sydney in Parramatta. Almenning’s strength is in his training and his people - recall former star bartenders, Luke Redlington and Max Greco. Today, just showing a modicum of interest had one of the bartenders embark with me upon a lively discussion about the perks their cluster of future bar-owners will receive in The Speakeasy Group venues. Having the forethought to make a table reservation means despite landing in a loud and busy bar, we’re whisked straight to a lounge for our whisky adventure. From the menu of four flights, we opt for Scotch 101 $50/each. Presented on a wooden board with an accompanying cheese and cracker bite from the Eau-de-Vie deli, our whisky flight kicks off with the Aultmore 12-Year-Old. It’s a fairly simple dram that’s light and fruity, from a Speyside distillery that’s been bottling whisky since 1897. It’s matched to Primo Amore – a red-wine infused Italian cheese. Matured for 16 years in bourbon barrels, the Ancnoc 16-Year-Old has a bit more going on with vanilla and cereal notes, plus a good bit of wood. It’s teamed with an Italian soft cheese – Taleggio – that smells funky but eats creamy, bringing up some fruit in the whisky. Chalky Manchego, a Spanish sheep milk cheese, is teamed with the 12-Year-Old Old Pulteney. It’s a good balance to the whisky’s sweetness and faint salty lick. The best whisky on the board to my palate is the Talisker 10-Year-Old, which is the only smoky whisky. It's got a hint of pear-like sweetness, and some earthy swampy qualities, plus peppery heat on the finish. Eating a strong cheese like Gorgonzola with it, lowers the smoky dryness, and brings up the whisky's sweetness for me. While we've had our noses buried deep in the glass, the bar has emptied out and become the relaxed speakeasy I first visited nearly a decade ago. It's been fun getting reacquainted with it over four wee drams.
Whiskey bar at its finest. A little small for big groups, so either come early or be prepared to wait. We only had time for 2 drinks since they close at 1am Sat night and had the old fashion whiskey which was served with a delicious peanut butter brittle. Will definitely come back!
Nice hidden speakeasy-ish bar in the back of the Kirketon hotel. Go towards the restroom sign and you won’t miss it. Excellent list of cocktails, almost too many so it might take a few tries to find what you like. I’d recommend the espresso martini or any of the sweeter drinks are quite fancy.
One of the best bars in Sydney! The drinks are creative and original and it is an absolute delight to watch the bartenders mix the drinks before you. A night at Eau De Vie is always a great night!
Everything you have heard and more. The level of service is unmatched the in Sydney, it's the first time while in Australia I've had a great Bar experience with truly exceptional Whisky and Francesco provided next level service. We will be back, we will be back many times.
Very groovy and hip bar hidden away in a slightly hard to reach place. Just makes it more of an adventure though. Good little food plates and one of the best well thought out cocktail menus I have ever seen. Nicely themed and well worth a visit.
For top notch cocktails, superb atmosphere, and outstanding wait staff, look no further than Eau De Vie. Average cocktail prices range from around $18 to $25.