The RedBar Crew is a New York City based group two-parts watch enthusiasts and one-part libation imbibers that meet up rather regularly in various well-heeled watering holes around town to cocktail and converse on various horological topics — often with special watch industry guests and lectors in tow to entertain the troops.
The origins of the RedBar Group can be traced to a happenstance meeting between two avid watch collectors Adam Craniotes, and Dr. Jeffrey Jacques. That initial encounter morphed into casual monthly get-togethers and then to more organized assemblies with many others joining in on the festivities. All of which lead to the current formal iteration run by Adam, and another watch fanatic, Kathleen McGivney. With over 20 affiliate chapters spanning the globe — Canada, Brazil, England, Switzerland, Belgium and Australia — all in addition to the founding one in Manhattan.
With the arrival of winter, and jettisoning the white spirits of summer (gin, rum and tequila) to autumn whiskeys and classic brown spirit cocktails, we thought who better to ask than Adam, Jeffrey, Kathleen and other Red Bar-ers to give us their favorite fall adult beverages to tipple while talking watches.
RUSTY NAIL
Cocktail Quote: “Gotta have scotch, and if you’re gonna mix it, it had better be with Drambuie.”Adam Craniotes, RedBar Cofounder and President
OLD FASHIONED
Cocktail Quote: “An Old Fashion my fall/winter cocktail. It calls for slow, meditative consumption. And it frees the mind from common concerns to discuss beauty, design principles and philosophy.”Dr. Jeffrey Jacques, RedBar Cofounder
WARD 8
Cocktail Quote: “A Ward 8 is a true Boston stalwart.”Zack Kurland, Esq, RedBar Boston Chapter Head
CLASSIC MANHATTAN
Cocktail Quote: “If I’m drinking a cocktail, it’s going to be a classic.”Kathleen McGivney, RedBar COO
YAMAZAKI SHERRY CASK 2016, NEAT
Cocktail Quote: The 2016 vintage Yamazaki Sherry Cask has a “smooth finish and the sweetness brought out from the cherry cask is a fitting accompaniment to the change of seasons.”Kyle O’Connor, RedBar San Francisco Chapter Head/Founder
IRISH COFFEE
Cocktail Quote: “An Irish coffee speaks for itself.”Joshua Shanks, RedBar NYC member
THE MACALLAN (any age designation)
AND TO FINISH ON A VERY COLD NIGHT: HOT APPLE CIDER OR PORT & BRANDY
Cocktail Quote: “Single malt always with a dram of water.”David Copeman, RedBar London Chapter Head
THE UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL REDBAR DRINK — PEATY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH*, NEAT
Cocktail Quote: “I love scotch. Scotchy Scotch Scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly.”Ron Burgundy, fictitious RedBar NYC member
*No specific brand, though most would agree to an Ardbeg Uigeadail or a Laphroaig
