Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Velvet Cellar
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Velvet Cellar pairs a sommelier-curated wine list with a cocktail menu that swings from the Crooked Carrot's dill-flecked freshness to the Ultima Parabola's mezcal and Green Chartreuse bite. Wine flights offer a regional tour, while dessert cocktails and digestifs extend the evening. House wines at $9 and happy hour specials keep it accessible.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Crooked Carrot, a vodka, carrot, honey, and dill creation. For wine, a flight showcases regions like Chile and Italy. End with a dessert cocktail such as Xocolatl Please or a pour of Amaro Montenegro.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking a curated regional selection will appreciate the flights and sommelier-driven list. Cocktail drinkers looking for creative originals, including dessert-focused options, will find plenty to explore.
- When should I go?
- It's a good time to sample multiple beverages affordably.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range $10-$20, with dessert cocktails $13-$18. Wines by the glass span $11-$20, house wines $9. Happy hour offers reduced prices, including $4 house brews and a $6 Boiler Maker.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The dual focus on a sommelier-curated wine list and a cocktail program with original, fresh-ingredient creations sets it apart. Dessert cocktails and a digestif menu add an unusual layer, while wine flights provide a guided regional tour.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail list with original drinks like Crooked Carrot and Ultima Parabola, using premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Dessert cocktails add novelty.
Menu strengths
- — Original cocktail creations with fresh ingredients, such as Crooked Carrot and Ultima Parabola.
- — Dessert cocktail menu offers unusual options like Café Luna Oscura and Xocolatl Please.
Standout selections
- — Crooked Carrot – vodka, carrot juice, lemon, honey, orange bitters, fresh dill ($18)
- — Ultima Parabola – mezcal, green chartreuse, lime juice, luxardo ($17)
- — Old Fashioned – Velvet Cellar x Laws Four Grain Bourbon, honey, lemon bitters ($20)
Pricing: Cocktails $10-$20; dessert cocktails $13-$18; happy hour specials available.
Wine
Sommelier-curated list spanning multiple countries with a range of styles. Wine flights provide a regional journey.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse regional selection from Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, California, Argentina, and more.
- — Wine flights allow tasting across regions and styles.
Standout selections
- — Mar de Frades Albariño ‘23 – Rias Baixas, Spain ($18)
- — Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay ‘23 – Santa Maria Valley, California ($14)
- — Mirame Cava Brut NV – Sant Sadurni D'Anoia, Spain ($12)
Pricing: Wines by the glass $11-$20; house wines $9; dessert wine Isole e Olena vin Santo $35.
Beer
Local draft beer selection with a happy hour Boiler Maker combining beer and spirits. Non-alcoholic beer available. Limited details on specific breweries or styles.
Menu strengths
- — Local draft beer selections.; Affordable happy hour house brews at $4.
Standout selections
- — House brews during happy hour – $4
- — Boiler Maker with Avery Stampede Lager and Four Roses Bourbon – $6
Pricing: Draft beer $7; house brews $4 during happy hour; Boiler Maker $6.
Nonalcoholic
A handful of non-alcoholic options including a mocktail, NA beer, and NA prosecco. The NA prosecco by the glass or bottle is a notable offering. Limited variety compared to alcoholic menu.
Menu strengths
- — Summer Estate mocktail offers a house-made non-alcoholic option.
Standout selections
- — Summer Estate – orange, cranberry, pineapple, lemon, prickly pear ($9)
- — Mionetto NA Prosecco – $11 glass, $45 bottle
Pricing: Summer Estate mocktail $9; NA Prosecco $11 glass, $45 bottle; soda $4.
Spirits
Spirits program is integrated into cocktails and dessert menu, featuring a range of base spirits and premium digestifs. Happy hour well spirits include notable brands. No dedicated spirits list.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of spirits used in craft cocktails.
- — Happy hour well spirits from Four Roses, Old Overholt, and others.
Standout selections
- — Amaro Montenegro – $16; Hine VSOP Cognac – $25
Pricing: Spirits are used in cocktails; digestifs like Amaro Montenegro $16, Hine VSOP Cognac $25, Villa Massa Limoncello $11.
How it sits with the food
The dinner menu is inspired by Southern Gulf Coast flavors, which pairs naturally with the wine list's Albariño and Vermentino, and the cocktail program's citrus-forward options. Dessert cocktails like Xocolatl Please can accompany sweets.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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