Sporting Cocktails At Portland Hunt And Alpine Club

A "craft cocktail bar" named The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club slated to open downtown next spring, according to a press release from owner Andrew Volk. A Colby alum, Volk made his mark at Clyde Common (right), a much-heralded cocktail bar in that other Portland. According to the release: "Along with cocktails there will be a beer and wine menu, and small plates from local purveyors. Customers can expect a relaxing atmosphere that pays homage to the outdoor spirit of Maine while remaining modern and current."

Award-winning bartender Andrew Volk will be opening his first solo project in the spring of 2013 in downtown Portland. The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club will specialize in craft cocktails and small plates. Originally from Vermont, and a Colby alumnus, Andrew spent the past eight years in Portland, Oregon deeply involved in growing the craft cocktail community. His work behind the bar became nationally recognized while at Clyde Common. In 2010, Tanqueray awarded him with "The Best Tanqueray & Tonic Variation." Clyde Common was the only bar in the US nominated for "Best Hotel Bar in the World" at Tales of the Cocktail and their bar program was nominated by the James Beard Foundation for "Outstanding Cocktail Program." The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club will feature craft spirits from Maine and around the world. Their ever-changing cocktail menu will reflect Andrew's experience and passion in the industry. Along with cocktails there will be a beer and wine menu, and small plates from local purveyors. Customers can expect a relaxing atmosphere that pays homage to the outdoor spirit of Maine while remaining modern and current. The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club will also provide continuing education for those curious about spirits. This program will include bringing in bartenders and industry experts from around the world to Maine. As Andrew has said, "I'm really thrilled to be returning to New England and to apply my experience with nationally-recognized cocktail programs to Portland and the Congress Arts District."

· Clyde Common [Official Site]

[Photo: Andrew Volk behind the bar at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon/Jeff Kleinman,Picasa]