L'Experimental Cocktail Club (ECC Paris)

Photography by L'Experimental

Words by Laurence Marot

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Address: 37 rue Saint-Sauveur, Paris, 75002, France
Tel: +33 1 4508 8809
Email: madeleine@expegroup.com
Website: view L'Experimental Cocktail Club (ECC Paris)’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Cocktail bar
Established: 2007

Review

If you are an expert in mixology, Experimental Cocktail Club has to be your favorite spot for a drink or two, at any time of the night. This place is where the new Paris cocktail scene was born, in 2007, thanks to three men, Olivier, Pierre-Charles and Romee.

The "ECC" (the abbreviation used by the bar community) sits between a speakeasy and a classic NYC bar: no sign outside on the street, brick walls, designer lamps, comfy chairs, and designated area for the DJ. The large bar has seen the best bartenders in Paris work there: Carino Soto Velasquez, Nico de Soto, Michael Mas, Pierre-Marie Bisson, Gwladys Gublin and now the young and talented Maxime Potfer.

The bar features a good selection of the best spirits in the world: 60 whiskies (including a good collection of Japanese bottles), some 35 rums from all around the world, and unknown French liquors like Aubusson Denoix and Rocamadour... A selection made by Maxime Potfer, who likes to champion French spirit heritage.

The cocktails list does have some creations by the former bartenders. However, ECC's key to success has always been to be creative, experimental without forgetting the quality of the cocktail, served by a welcoming staff. Maxime Potfer is more than happy to "cook" his own ingredients, like a chef in his kitchen. Not to be missed, the excellent monthly cocktail aged in sherry or bourbon cask. A perfect drink for those who prefer spiritus cocktails.

However, do not expect fancy garnishes, as the bar serves up to 600 drinks every night over the weekend - just vintage glasses, orange and lemon peels, and delectable drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.

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