Fernet is divisive. With its minty, licorice-forward flavor, the Italian amaro — best known in most American markets via the brand Fernet-Branca — tastes to some drinkers like toothpaste made using Essence of Black Jelly Bean. Others simply can’t get enough of the stuff. Most of the bartenders I’ve met are in the latter camp; so is my significant other. Let’s just say we are a house divided.
For those who align with my girlfriend on this one, take your cursed tastebuds to the West Side outpost of Bearded Iris Brewing. There are many reasons to visit the brewery housed in adaptive reuse space Sylvan Supply. Chief among them: Bearded Iris’ great selection of original beers, as well as Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House. (Black Dynasty operates out of the brewery, and they sling some of the best ramen you’ll find anywhere in the city.) But also, if you’re one of these fernet people, it’s where you’ll find the Fansville Diesel, a concoction that according to one bartender “started as an inside joke.” Featuring fernet, Dr Pepper and lager — often Bearded Iris’ bright and crispy Pep Talk — the Fansville Diesel tastes like … well, it tastes like fernet, Dr Pepper and lager. Perhaps that speaks to you. Perhaps it doesn’t. Perhaps you should see for yourself. (Be advised: Bearded Iris’ Germantown location doesn’t offer the Diesel.)
No matter what you think of the Fansville Diesel, Bearded Iris Sylvan Supply makes for a great hang. It has enough TVs for you to catch whatever game is on, but not so many that you can’t tune them out if that’s your preference. It has plenty of space, outdoor seating, laid-back DJ sets, pop-up vinyl events, the aforementioned top-shelf ramen … and a peculiar fernet drink that could one day grow on me.
