Whisky or whiskey. However you spell it, there’s no denying that it’s a universal liquid.
Whether you it enjoy it straight, on the rocks, mixed or up in flames – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thankfully, World Whisky Day is fast approaching – and it’s one day out of the year where whisky drinkers can be appreciated for their passion towards the finest liquor created.
In celebration of World Whisky Day, we’ve compiled a list of the best bars and distillery’s to visit around Australia:
New South Wales
The Doss House
Sitting underneath one of Sydney’s busiest streets is the newest underground bar taking Sydney by storm. The Doss House takes pride in its rich history that’s encased within their iconic stonewalls. Previously owned by a boot maker, an opium dealer and even a boarding house; today The Doss House takes pride in their intricate signature cocktails and of course their whisky collection.
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar
NOLA provides the best of both worlds. With a mighty 500+ collection of whiskies that are mainly sourced from America; NOLA definitely has it all. The venue takes pride in their limited edition bottles that are added onto the collection each week, as well as their soulful food menu that takes inspiration from New Orleans. For World Whisky Day we’d definitely recommend NOLA and one their many whiskey flights that range from $40 – $120.
Victoria
Whisky and Alement
Since its opening in 2010, Whisky and Alement have definitely earned a name for themselves. How does colossal sound? With over 1000 whiskies – I don’t think that there isn’t a word big enough to describe this venue. Of course there’s cocktails as well as locally and internationally sourced craft beers. Definitely keep an eye out for their mystery blind tasting on World Whisky Day that will put your senses to the test for $19.
Eau De Vie
Translating to brand or spirits with it’s meaning deriving from “water of life,” Eau De Vie Melbourne definitely fits the definition. With its extensive whisky collection in its private room behind a bookcase, guests will feel as if they’ve transferred back in time with its mysterious 1920’s feel. Apart from the seductive décor, Eau De Vie is home to an exclusive five-course degustation with paired signature cocktails. If cocktails aren’t first preference, Eau De Vie hosts whisky master classes accommodated by bartenders in their Whisky Room.
Tasmania
Hellyers Road Distillery
Hellyers Road Distillery located in Burnie, Tasmania is Australia’s largest boutique distillery. The company is 100% Tasmanian owned/operated and believe in quality products. Why not spend World Whisky Day with a Whisky Walk Distillery Tour ($19.50) to learn how the legends behind the finest single malt whiskies are made. Visitors also have the opportunity to pour and wax seal your very own bottle of Hellyers Road.
Society Salamanca
Specialising in rare Tasmanian single malt traced from all across the island; Society Salamanca has an extensive range of new, old and international whiskies – the team are more like whisky connoisseurs than anything. This World Whisky Day, Society Salamanca will be hosting an event from 4pm onwards with a specially curated whisky cocktail menu, tasting flights accompanied by paired cheese and chocolate, as well as live jazz. $1 from every whisky purchase will be donated to UNICEF Australia.
South Australia
The Bibliotheca
The saying goes “read between the lines” but at The Bibliotheca it’s more like “drink between the lines.” Sitting on Gresham Street, the venue takes pride in their book exchange cross European style bar – with their lengthy list of international spirits, books and classic cocktails with a literary twist. On World Whisky Day, The Bibliotheca will be hosting a whisky and oyster flight as well as their usual flight of the week.
Suzie Wong
Storing and serving South Australia’s biggest collection of whisky in their basement lounge bar, Suzie Wong’s is more than just a standard bar. With dim lighting, heritage stonewalls and booth seating – they also know how to cook up a storm with mouthwatering Asian dishes (definitely try the Korean Fried Chicken or Sake Pickled Octopus). For Suzie Wong, every day is World Whisky Day.
Western Australia
Varnish on King
Sitting beneath Perth’s streets is Varnish on King – possibly the bar filled with some of your wildest dreams. Apart from their impressive whisky, beer, cocktail and pickle menu; Varnish on King is renowned for their Flights. This World Whisky Day enjoy an international whiskey flight that tours across Scotland, America, Japan and Australia for $45. If that’s not selling you, then try their Famous BACON Flight. For $40 you’ll enjoy four different styles of bacon paired to four American whiskeys.
Alabama Song
Arriving at Alabama Song you may be a little confused when leaving. Possibly the closest thing Australia will ever get to an authentic American bar. With a bullhead overlooking the bar, neon signs, burgers, southern fried chicken and live music every Friday and Saturday night – you’ll be sorted for the entire weekend. In the famous words of Oscar Wilde, “alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, may produce all the effects of drunkenness.”
Halford Bar
Located in the basement Safe Room of the 1897 Titles Building, Halford Bar is definitely a step back in time – with their 1950’s bar décor, rainbow styled lighting and exquisite cocktail list. Head over to Halford Bar this World Whisky Day to enjoy the dancing, flowing drinks or workshops such as the Whiskies of the World, Japanese Revolution or even their Espresso Martini Masterclass if whisky isn’t first preference.
Queensland
The Gresham
More than just a bar – but a piece of history. The Gresham has the only Heritage Bar License in Queensland. Today, inside the limestone-lined walls, The Gresham supplies Brisbanites with traditional cocktails, locally and internationally sourced beers… and of course their impressive range of whiskies. Previously used as the Queensland National Bank – The Gresham is a bucket list must for any Australian.
Naked Whisky Bar
Located in the famous Morrison Hotel that’s been trading since 1927 is one of Brisbane’s very few traditional pubs. Today, Naked Whisky Bar stocks over 300 whiskies as well as 22 beers on tap. What better way to spend World Whisky Day than with a whisky of choice and one of their mouth-watering, char-grilled steaks (side of chips of course). In the words of Mark Twain, “too much of anything is bad. But too much good whiskey is barely enough.”
