The Prohibition (Gin) Crew have joined the Adelaide 'small bars band wagon' and opened up this gin based bar - design studio - coffee bar in the happening part of Gilbert Street. The Coffee section isn't quite ready yet but the rest is in full swing with the rear section due for some more work including a new copper pot still arriving in January. The design business Toolbox is under the same roof, tucked in behind their coffee bar. There is obvious street appeal from its corner location with dark walls, a full glass front with a vertical lift front glass door, minimalist but not cold and kind of starting to get a look of its own. The bath tub above the bar is a great touch.
Our visit was part of a North Adelaide Primary School fundraiser, where Adam, co-owner with Wes in this bar enterprise, is a parent. Our group took part in gin flights, with some mixing and experimenting of our own, along with some knowledgable commentary from Adam. Some ordered dinner with options of sliders (x3) and fancy toasties while others enjoyed an antipasto assortment. I will admit I failed to properly peruse their menu options on this occasion and whilst this is a gin focussed bar they have enough to please whomever walks in.
The staff were lovely and approachable and I mention this because this can sometimes be a deal breaker for customers.
They source their (wine) spirit base from the Barossa and even the tonic water and vermouth they use as mixers are Australian. Our gin offering on the night was their staple small batch 42% craft gin, the shiraz barrel 60% craft gin, and their monster 69% bathtub cut gin which should carry a warning label (great with a splash of tonic). We also got lucky and tasted a 'Christmas release' gin special with a cake like nose and obvious holiday flavours, a perfect gift or something to sip on the actual day (see photos re tasting notes).
I didn't eat or drink anything on the night I didn't enjoy and I think PLC will continue to grow and attract new customers and become a regular on the Adelaide scene. I'm hoping their coffee is phenomenal. If you like a gin you need to go and if you don't just come for a look - maybe all the medals and accolades displayed around the bar will be enough for you to get curious :) read more