Descent at the W Hotel

Posted: 10:53 pm, January 13, 2012 by Lin

The much-anticipated opening of the W Boston’s Descent arrived in November. Vegas chic meets Boston elegance in this subterranean venue in the Theatre district. Opening at 5 pm, Descent hopes to first attract the after work crowd with craft cocktail menu created by Charlotte Voisey, an acclaimed mixologist and 2004 UK Bartender of the Year. As the evening draws to an end and the nightlife takes over, Descent dims the lights to transform into a trendy club with a live DJ.

Focusing on the after-work crowd, Voisey has created a cocktail list to try and give competition to Todd Maul (Clio) and Jackson Cannon (ICOB, ESKD, Hawthorne). Although a little heavy with the tequila options, the menu pulls from all of the spirits, including the likes of Hendrick’s gin, Tullamore Dew whiskey, Old Overholt rye and Milagro Silver tequila. At the top of the menu are three martinis, including the Rosita (pictured below). This drink can be enjoyed by tequila afficianados and skeptics alike, as the St. Germaine and Aperol work well to balance the strong flavor of the tequila. Moving down the cocktail menu, the Tea Party is not to be missed as a seemingly cool cousin to the traditional hot toddy. For a holiday drink, the Bourbon Allspice Sour will warm you up on any cold winter’s day.

Rosita ($14): St. Germaine, Aperol, Milagro Silver tequila and Tea Party ($12): Benromach scotch, English breakfast barley syrup, lemon, soda

Bourbon Allspice Sour ($14): Old Fitzgerald bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, apple, lemon, runny honey, nutmeg

Other notables

House Clover Club ($13): Hendrick’s gin, Dolic Blanc, raspberry syrup, lemon juice
Downtown Daisy ($14): Milagro Silver tequila, simple syrup, pineapple, basil, Solerno blood orange
Irish Cobbler ($14): Tullamore Dew, sherry, blackberries, sage
Elk’s Club Fizz ($14): Old Overholt rye, port, lemon, simple syrup, egg white, soda

With a focus first on cocktails then on a lounge-type atmosphere in the later hours, Descent provides low-lying couches for guests to relax while enjoying when they need a break from the small dance floor located in the middle of the lounges’ space. If you arrive hungry, you will have to head to Market upstairs, as there is no food menu available. As Descent looks to decipher itself as an upscale club within the Theatre District, it is also embracing Boston’s craft cocktail movement with open arms.

Descent is located at 100 Stuart Street at the W Hotel, one block away from the Boylston T station. The physical entrance is at the corner of Stuart and Warrenton’s Street. Descent is open Wed – Sun, 5 pm – 2 am and “cocktail attire” is required.

Do you have a favorite bar in the Theatre District?