Drinking in America

Thirsty Crow Bar can be found on the infamous Sunset Boulevard. But don’t let the flashy L.A name drop fool you, this trendy spot has gone back to basics. From scotch, rye whiskey and bourbon to classics like the Manhattan, you won’t even realize you’re in Hollywood territory. They offer a vintage atmosphere and stiff drinks. We spoke with Cooper Gillespie, who believes when it comes to whiskey – “every person has a unique palate, so sample often and find what you like.” Cheers to that, Cooper. Read on for more of her wise words.

The Thirsty Crow Bar is one of our favorite bar names. Can you shed light on its origin?

We named the bar after one of Aesop’s Fables, the Crow and the Pitcher. Also, one of the owners, Bobby Green, is a land speed race car driver. His car is named Old Crow (after the whiskey). Apparently it guzzles a ton of gas, so they call it “The Thirsty Crow”.

I walk into the Thirsty Crow for the first time, is there a signature drink I have to order from you?

Yes! The Thirsty Crow.  It’s delicious. It is comprised of Jim Beam Rye, Luxardo Maraschino, Citrus, Ginger Beer and magic.

Are you a fan of flavored whiskey (i.e., recent Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey or Jim Beam’s Red Stag)?

I’ve got to be honest. Not really. Maybe I would’ve been into it when I was in college, but not now.

If there’s one thing people should remember about whiskey, what is it?

Every whiskey has it’s own personality and every person has a unique palate, so sample often and find what you like.

Any trend predictions for whiskey in the second half of 2011?

More white dogs.

We noticed Sparkling Wine Cocktails on the menu. What’s the reason for this addition to the menu?

I love sparkling wine. It’s one of my favorite things to drink. I put the sparkling wine cocktails on the menu for myself. It turns out many other people like them too.

Most memorable night behind the bar was when________. The most memorable night behind the bar was the night we opened. I had no idea what to expect. I had put so much work into getting the bar ready to open. It’s a huge undertaking. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to come together, but then it did. There were so many people.  And everything went smoothly. It was like a dream.

After a night behind the bar, what’s your drink of choice?

An ice cold Newcastle.