Thirsty Thursday: Vault in Fayetteville

 

If you find yourself in downtown Fayetteville on a Thursday evening and your mouth is getting dry, there is no shortage of options for you to wet that whistle. 

 

There’s Dickson Street. Yeah, you’ve heard of it. But unless you’re rounding out your junior or senior year of college, you might find yourself surrounded by young(er) adults. 

 

In want of a grownup drink? Enter the Vault. 

 

Crafted in a “raw yet warm palette of concrete, wood, steel and leather,” Vault welcomes visitors to its tiny little hideaway just off the Fayetteville Historic Square for a respite and as well-crafted a cocktail as you’ll find anywhere. It’s relatively easy to find. A retro “Bourbon” sign shooting out the side of 112 W. Center (often called the EJ Ball Building) marks the spot. 

 

Pull up a chair on the patio or find yourself a table inside (or take your cocktail to-go, thanks to Fayetteville’s exciting Outdoor Refreshment Area), and order yourself a drink from Vault’s ever-evolving list of unique cocktails and rotating spirits, even if it’s not Thursday. You won’t be disappointed. 

 

Vault has been the subject of a number of great reviews, articles and even a cocktail book, featured in USA Today and Liquor.com. As such, it’s beginning to develop a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in the region. But even as its reputation starts to precede itself, there’s still likely room for you and a friend next time you’re in the area and hankering for something you can’t get just anywhere. 

 

Try the Honey, I’m Comb — a beeswax washed Evan Williams bottled-in-bond bourbon, with apricot and almond honey, cherry bark vanilla bitters, salt and pecorino, built and stirred over a large rock in an old fashioned glass. Or, request the Kelp Wanted, which brings together Gray Whale Gin, Svöl Danish-style aquavit, Greek mastiha, dry vermouth, a seaweed tincture and pickled onion, stirred and served up in a coupe glass, classic martini-style.

 

But if you want my recommendation, the cocktail I’d order up for newbies, go for the Herring of the Dog. The Herring of the Dog consists of a simple shot of Svöl Swedish-Style Aquavit, chased with a cracker topped with a slice of pickled herring and a sprig of fresh dill (which likely comes from the abundance of herbs growing in the flowerbeds around the bar). 

 

¡Salud! 

 

Photo courtesy: Vault. 

 

READ MORE: Thirsty Thursday: Fox Trail Distillery’s Summer Cocktail Menu