The Obscure Cocktail Tasting by Theron Regnier is a fantastic unique experience in downtown LA- Nov 2025
If you’re after a cocktail experience that feels like stepping into a gothic fairy tale in Downtown L.A., The Obscure is a must-visit. Founded by Théron Regnier, this invite-only distillery and tasting room at 1356 Palmetto St offers an unforgettable, almost mythic evening.
The Vibe & Storytelling
From the moment you arrive, the space feels like a secret world — candlelit pathways, lava-like walls, glowing runes, and even a hidden waterfall. The lighting is intimate but theatrical, casting shadows that make every corner feel part of a strange, enchanted tale. As you sip your way through the evening, Théron (the owner) becomes your storyteller-guide, weaving narratives about how the spirits came to be — their inspirations, the craft, and even the lore that shaped them.
The Six Tastings — Updated & Focused
Rather than a generic tasting, The Obscure presents six curated sips: three distinct house spirits, followed by three creative cocktails that combine or highlight them. For the more recent “season,” those are centered on their rum, their chestnut-aged rye, and a distinctive house liqueur. Here’s a breakdown of what you might taste (and how Théron’s stories elevate each one):
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Harbinger Jakarta Rum (Spirit #1)
A tropical, cane-forward rum that carries a whisper of exotic spice and warmth — the base spirit that opens your journey. 
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Rites of Fall (American Chestnut Rye, Spirit #2)
This is their signature rye, matured in chestnut wood. It’s rich, nutty, with hints of dried fruit and spice — a spirit with both heritage and innovation. -
Three Fates Génépi Liqueur (Spirit #3)
A high-alcohol alpine herb liqueur, vibrant, botanical, and mysterious — often used to conjure up uniquely spirited cocktails. The Obscure Distillery -
Cocktail 1: “Philosopher’s Punch”
A rum-based drink that brings in citrus, sugar, and perhaps a touch of mysticism — perfect to highlight the Harbinger Jakarta Rum while feeling like a potion pulled from a fantasy novel. (Inspired by guest reviews.) -
Cocktail 2: “Darling 58”
Featuring the chestnut rye, this cocktail blends warmth, spice, and oak — Théron often tells a tale of chestnut trees and the legacy of his American Chestnut Foundation partnership while pouring this. -
Cocktail 3: “Serendipity”
This one is a lyrical mix of their rum, rye, and liqueur — a layered, high-ABV drink that feels like the climax of the narrative journey, served in a hidden nook or behind a secret door as part of the immersive storytelling. 
Théron’s Connection
Théron Regnier isn’t just a distiller or owner — he’s a born storyteller. According to coverage, he left a more conventional career to “go full pirate” and build a space where craft spirits and theatrical immersion collide. During the tasting, he shares behind-the-scenes insights: from how he sources wood to age his rye, to how he conceptualizes his rum, to the way he designed hidden rooms in the space.
Why It Stands Out
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Immersive & personal: This isn’t just a tasting — it’s a theatrical, narrative-driven journey, made all the more special by Théron’s presence.
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Unique spirits: Their chestnut-matured rye is rare, and the Jakarta rum is a standout. The liqueur adds a wild, herbal layer.
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Intimate setting: Limited capacity, soft lighting, secret nooks — the design itself feels like part of the story. Reservations mandatory and you can buy tickets on the website below.
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Meaningful mission: The chestnut rye is part of a partnership with The American Chestnut Foundation, weaving environmental and cultural themes into the booze.
Website: The Obscure
Photos by Marie Llug