Bierkultur

I’m a beer man, as clearly evidenced by the name of my column, “Bierkultur.”

But even more, I’m a man who is a fan of the finest quality of beverages. I’m just a beer man because quality beer is of much greater supply and economy than quality mixed drinks are on a college campus.

Plus, in my naïveté, I accepted the stereotype that a mixed drink is served with a slice of fruit and a little umbrella. Well, I wasn’t going to order one of those little drinks anytime soon, no sir.

Nevertheless, I’d heard great things about the Rail on North Walnut Street. I went last Friday night with two lovely ladies who had stopped in before and were fans.

I mean, if Hemingway drank daiquiris and Faulkner enjoyed Mint Juleps, I guess I could get along with a well-crafted cocktail.

The Rail has a small menu with $8 cocktails and small-plate dishes made with local and organic ingredients ranging from $4 to $10 a plate.

When we arrived, my company ordered a drink each, a Siren Song and an El Diablo.

The Siren Song was made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka out of Austin, Texas, Licor 43, freshly squeezed lemon juice and egg white. It had a lovely vanilla taste with an interesting texture from the egg white. The El Diablo is like a margarita plus. It has Lunazul blanco tequila, fresh lime, crème de cassis and ginger. It had the bite of tequila, but with fruity, strawberry notes. It reminded me of strawberry limeade with tequila.

I ordered what, from name alone, sounded like the manliest item on the menu: The Rail McCoy. It has Crusoe organic spiced rum, Domaine de Canton, ginger liqueur and fresh lime. The rum and ginger gave it a nice bite that seemingly would make it a great summer afternoon drink.

I also have to give a shout-out to the food at the Rail. I tried their lamb patty melt, and it blew my mind. It’s a lamb patty with caramelized onions on rye with a side of sweet potato fries. That sandwich alone made me want to come back.

With my meal, I tried their Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail with Buffalo Trace bourbon, demerara and Angostura bitters. Now that’s a man’s drink. It is served on the rocks and has got the smack in the face bourbon flavor and kick that is exactly what the doctor ordered. This’ll surely cure all your ills.

I have to say to the kind folks at the Rail, you’ve made a convert out of me.

My heart still belongs to quality craft beers, but I really enjoyed what I was able to sample at The Rail. I highly suggest a visit for any connoisseur of fine beverages.

Cheers!