Slosh: Spirits at The Drink Factory
A little over half a year ago, I ventured out and took some mixology courses, hoping that I could use that knowledge to save some money on a relative’s birthday celebration. Unfortunately, the event never occurred, but I truly relished the hustle of mixing drinks and learning about synergy between flavours. What’s more is that and I enjoyed meeting the different personalities that mingled about like the mocktails we were practicing; aspiring bartenders have interesting personalities. Reminiscing has brought to life a voice in the back of my head telling me to gear up, brush up, and take to a bar.
But I know how I am. I wouldn’t feel at home in a regular sports pub, or a chain restaurant’s bar for that matter. Nah, if I were to get into tending, I’d want to place myself in an establishment where dark wave hums in the background, the aire is full of despondence, and the drinks sing to the souls who consume them. All cocktails would be savored as a complete sensory experience in every establishment. Of course, this would all be staged in a perfect world.
However, in Northern London stands a research and design lab not too far from the renowned 69 Colebrook Row, and it’s a playground for radical mixologists who’ve vowed to take drink innovation to a new level. The Drink Factory’s been fostering collaborations between drink technicians and inquisitive interns since 2005, offering lectures, demonstrations and experiments in brainstorming and creating superior drinks. Tony Coligniaro, The Drink Factory’s imaginative founder, is a master molecular mixologist and gastronome, and his talent for fusing art, science and alcohol together has made him the pioneer to watch and emulate for decades now.
Early this year, folks at The Drink Factory announced their plans to publish a quarterly magazine for fellow bartenders, epicureans and artists alike. Their first issue ever, Gothic, features an array of eccentric brews and combinations, all themed around the concept of (anti-)aroma and (dis)comfort. Folks at The Drink Factory wanted to push boundaries and turn tables, taking normally unsavory scents (and tastes) and experimenting with them until sixteen palatable signature concoctions were fashioned.
Paired in between each drink is a series of conceptual photography, and the ideal form in which the drink should be presented in. For instance, Tears is suggested to be served in a syringe, and the drink is to be served and savored drop by drop. The Nosferatini—a seemingly normal gin martini—gets vamped up with a splash of red that floats throughout the drink like blood would in water.
Every ingredient to make each aspect for each drink is spelled out, making it very possible to substitute conventional liquor and liqueurs for organic versions. Gothic is sexy enough to be displayed as a coffee table book due to its sumptuous display, however it’d be best if you keep this limited edition issue in a safe place away from your wet bar. If you’re not based in the U.K. or Europe for that matter, expect to pay around 65USD after shipping to the States. If that’s a little steep, never fear; Coligniaro’s other best-selling book Drinks can be scooped up at local retailers for under 30USD.
Any aspiring mixologist, party host, or bar banger should peek at these volumes. They’re indispensable, and provide some eerie theory on making delectable drinks.
Nothing to fear, just cheers.
Kontroller: Actual Sunlight
I wanted to get up here and talk about a pressing issue that tends to be glossed over, or ignored, or even better, misinterpreted constantly. The concept of being depressed is thrown around left and right in everyday conversation, yet most people using it don’t necessarily feel that way. For instance, “The fact that I can’t go to that concert is depressing,” or statements along those lines.
Depression and similar feelings of inadequacy are not to be taken lightly. It isn’t a game, but more so, in many cases, a life or death situation.
Well, perhaps I have just lied. It now is, indeed, a “game”.
Meet Evan Winter.
Developer and publisher Will O’Neill’s new game Actual Sunlight gets right into the grit and pain of the dispirited person’s mindset. You follow the life of Evan Winter, a 28-year-old white male who works at a non-advancing job. He lacks friends, he lacks love, and he lacks support throughout this entire venture. As you trek to work and back everyday, you meet the people he associates with, and learn about their complications as well. In between are little bits where Evan speaks his mind, and his thoughts, which skate on the lines of suicidal, are not for the faint of heart. This title is only for mature individuals over 18, as there’s strong language and suggestive themes present.
Another day at the office.
Along with Evan’s story, Will O’Neill personally addresses those interacting with the story who might feel they can immediately relate, especially the younger player population:
“This game is not a game: It’s a portrait. I’ve created it to document something that I think is human and beautiful and real, and if you appreciate that, great – that’s what art is.
“But don’t get it twisted. It’s about a 30-something corporate dead-ender with no youthful energy, no people his own age who haven’t move on in life that he can turn to, and no time or money left to change or undo any of those things.
“I don’t care how fucked up you think your life is: If you aren’t at least 25, that ain’t you. So don’t. Don’t you fucking dare.”
I will say if you are truly depressed, it would not entirely be wise to play this initially, as Evan’s thoughts could compound onto your own. However, for those that don’t understand individuals who suffer quietly like Evan does, this story serves as a potential inside view, so you can better understand where the despondent are coming from.
“The wind feels good up top.”
This game is available on Steam for $4.99, and is playable in five different languages.
DIY or DIE: Steampunk Projects +
When perusing the internet, I usually stumble across other blogs from time to time that feature a collection of neat projects. Sometimes, it breaks my heart when the item being created asks for all brand new materials, but a few among the recycled projects isn’t always that bad.
Recycle Renew Reuse Mother Earth Projects has a collection of arts and craft projects that can add character to one’s home, or provide beautiful gifts to someone deserving. There are running steam punk and other alterna-themes going on with a bunch of the projects, or at least they can be adapted and themed as so.
Here are just a few of my favourites, but by all means, feel free to check them out and do some!
Image:”Recycle CD Green house”
Image:”How to Make a Tree Branch Candle holder”
Image:”How to make Tea Cup candles”
Image:”How to make a Feather Quill and Magic Ink”
Image:”How to make Dia de los Muertos Masks”
Image:”How to mae a Suitcase Chair”
Flora Gothica 