Established in 1915 by an Italian immigrant, Cesar Menotti, Townhouse is the oldest bar in Venice and one of the oldest bars in the Los Angeles area and once a hub for illegally traded booze. During prohibition, The Del Monte Speakeasy acted as a conduit for illegal liquor from 1920-1933 when prohibition ended. Back then the Canadian whiskey boats would park 3 miles off the Venice shore, a US government set limit for foreign boats entering US water known as the rum line, then send smaller boats in underneath the Abbot Kinney Pier. There they would be off loaded and the hooch would make its way into the DMS via steam tunnels that ran beneath the pier and buildings on Windward ave. From there Mr. Menotti would trade with the local hoteliers and tavern owners so that too could restock their cellars with the new delivery. There fore this historic establishment has been operating since 1915 and has survived, prohibition, the great depression and two world wars. In other words the venue has bustled with life, music, dancing and Whiskey for almost 104 years! - At the beginning of the event one will be warmly greeted by the host for the evening and his/her team of local & talented bartenders. You will hear the wonderful history of the 104-year-old bar Townhouse & The Del Monte Speakeasy while you mingle with the other attendees and enjoy your complimentary prohibition style punch. . - You will then be seated and offered a specially selected whiskey for the event. You will enjoy a thorough explanation & history that we hope will increase your own knowledge of the selected spirit for the evening. We offer rare, antique & seasonal rotating spirits whose value far surpasses the cost of admittance. The host or brand ambassador will discuss and explain the various tasting notes after each spirit is served and tasted by you. This opens up conversation with the audience that helps compare tasting notes which is so much fun. Don't worry, you don’t have to say a word if you don’t want to. - The story of the featured distillery from which the selected spirit came from will also be told. For the featured tasting you will be seated in the original Del Monte Speakeasy. There you can take in the prohibition era ambience while listening to a era specific playlist! So we recommend to grab a friend and join us in exploring the fascinating world of spirits in this historic space! DRINKS Apertif, Cocktail and Water Upon arrival, we will offer a seasonal punch followed by flights of 4 tasting glasses of the finest spirits we have to offer- *Note that each monthly event may showcase a different brand and/or type of liquor. This month we are featuring Whiskey (Glenlivet)! Rotating Brand Ambassadors with endless knowledge of these liquors will be present as well!