cynar availability

[benzipperer]

Which liquor stores in DC might carry or at least order some Cynar, the Italian artichoke-based bitter?

I'm looking to buy a bottle or three, not just a drink in a bar. Am not having much luck calling at random via the yellow pages.

[jpschust]

I believe Ace Beverage carries it- I'd give Joe over there a call first and see if they've got a bunch of bottles. For things other than bourbon and wine I find that they have pretty good prices.

[deangold]

Cleveland Park usually has it or can order it.

[coreytree]

Cynar is available at Snyder's on Capitol Hill in DC. Mass Ave & 3rd NE. It's a great shop with a very helpfull staff. FWIW, Jason Wilson of the Washington Post has just written an article concerning Cynar.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

[mikesquirrel]

I was @ the wine source a store in hampden i know that they had a few bottles there.

[KAZ]

Ahh, I love the stuff. Great summer drink. I am currently working my way through a bottle of the Sicilian version, Averna.

If you can't find it in DC, I believe both Mastellone's and DiPasquali's up here in Baltimore carry it.

[benzipperer]

Kaz, how do you usually drink Averna? Just over ice?

[KAZ]

Yes, that's how I normally drink it, though I'd love a great recipe.

I do drink Cynar with the occasional splash of soda as you mentioned above.

My favorite Cynar story is going into Brewer's Art and seeing a bottle behind the bar. I was pleasently surprised to see it available, so I asked for a drink on the rocks. The bartender looked at me like I had three heads. It was only after I pointed out the bottle that he believed me that they do have it. Another bartender came by and mentioned that the chef bought the bottle a few years ago to be used in a dish (?) and the leftovers made its way behind the bar. I still look for it each time I go in and monitor the level. It rarely moves.

[leah]

Try Calvert Woodley / If you dont mind me asking, what are you going to do with it.

[benzipperer]

Leah, thanks! Calvert Woodley does carry Cynar: $16/bottle.

I plan on drinking it, as an aperitif. A friend recently served it to me over ice, chilled, with a dash of soda and a slice of orange. I've also heard it mixes well with bourbon, kind of like a Manhattan with the Cynar substituting for vermouth.