Introduction
Imagine walls lined with hundreds of bottles containing some of the rarest and most coveted whiskeys on earth. Picture yourself nestled in a plush leather chair, snifter in hand, as you get enveloped in the aromas of a finely crafted single malt or small-batch bourbon. For the true whiskey enthusiast, bars like these are hallowed grounds where one can transcend the ordinary whiskey-drinking experience.
From the high-end cocktail bars of New York City to the cozy, hideaway spots of Portland, America has no shortage of destinations for whiskey worship. But among this landscape of watering holes, a handful of bars stand apart, elevated into a realm of the sublime for their unrivaled whiskey selections, uncompromising expertise, and unparalleled atmospheres.
Whether your tastes run toward vintage scotches, craft American whiskeys, hard-to-find Japanese blends, or other unique offerings from around the globe, these five bars have curated collections unlike anywhere else. They are meccas that every true whiskey lover must make a pilgrimage to at least once in order to experience an unmatched range of the world’s finest pours.
So prepare yourself for an unparalleled whiskey journey as we take you to the five American bars that reign supreme when it comes to savoring the best that the whiskey world has to offer. From intimate library settings to boisterous live music halls, these spots have created sanctuaries devoted to whiskey in its highest form.
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The 5 Best Whiskey Bars in the US
For whiskey aficionados across America, these five bars are meccas that every spirit lover should make a pilgrimage to at least once. From a huge selection of rare bottles to an outstanding atmosphere for sipping and savoring, these whiskey bars are in a league of their own.
1. Delilah’s (Chicago, IL)
This longstanding Chicago whiskey institution has been slinging top-shelf whiskeys since 1963. With over 1,000 different whiskeys spanning scotch, bourbon, rye, and others from around the world, Delilah’s has one of the largest whiskey selections you’ll find anywhere. The knowledgeable bartenders will guide you through tasting flights and rare vintage bottles.
2. Seven Grand (Los Angeles, CA)
This whiskey mecca in downtown LA is a laid-back spot to sip some of the rarest spirits around. With walls lined with hundreds of whiskey bottles, Seven Grand offers over 600 different whiskeys with a focus on highly allocated and unusual bottles. The vibe is relaxed with live music, making it an ideal place to slowly savor a fine dram.
3. Canon (Seattle, WA)
Canon is a classy and cozy bar located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. It boasts the largest spirit collection in Washington with over 4,000 different bottles. Their whiskey list alone spans over 30 pages featuring rare blends, single malts, and craft selections. Bartenders are incredibly knowledgable about whiskeys and can provide tasting notes for any spirit.
4. Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library (Portland, OR)
This intimate Portland gem transports you to a private club or library with its dim lighting, leather armchairs, and shelves lined with thousands of whiskey bottles. The Whiskey Library offers over 1,800 whiskeys ranging from allocated bourbons to vintage scotches. With a polished yet relaxed vibe, it’s a haven for spirit connoisseurs.
5. The Flatiron Room (New York City, NY)
In the heart of Manhattan, The Flatiron Room is one of the most renowned whiskey bars in America. Their spirit menu spans over 1,000 bottles with strengths in scotch, bourbon, rye, and other worldwide whiskeys. The classy setting features live music and the ability to purchase bottles at retail pricing to enjoy on-site.
No matter where you’re located across the US, any of these top-tier whiskey bars is worth seeking out for their unparalleled selections and experience. Whether you prefer rare scotch, craft bourbon, or other unique whiskeys, these bars will satisfy any serious spirit enthusiast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code at these whiskey bars?
The dress codes vary but in general, most have an upscale casual dress code. Canon in Seattle and Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library in Portland have more formal dress codes where jackets are recommended for men. The other bars have a relaxed policy where neat casual attire is acceptable.
Do any of the bars offer whiskey flights or tasting menus?
Yes, all of the bars highlighted offer tasting flights or whiskey journeys to allow you to sample several whiskeys together. This provides a great opportunity to try different styles, regions, ages, etc. The flights often come with tasting notes as well.
Are rare or allocated whiskeys available at these bars?
Definitely. One of the key draws of these world-class whiskey bars is their ability to source incredibly rare, allocated, vintage, and limited-release whiskeys that are very difficult to find elsewhere. The bartenders take pride in tracking down the most coveted bottles.
Are bar snacks or food available as well?
Some of the bars like Delilah’s in Chicago and Seven Grand in LA have limited bar bite menus. Others like Canon and The Flatiron Room have more extensive food offerings beyond snacks if you want a full meal with your whiskey tasting.
Do any of the bars have whiskey clubs or memberships?
The Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library has a membership program that allows access to whiskey lockers and other special benefits and events. The other bars don’t have official clubs but often have whiskey email lists or host special whiskey dinners and tastings.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or just developing an appreciation for the world’s finest spirits, a visit to any of these top whiskey bars is sure to be a memorable experience. From the cozy, library-esque atmosphere of Portland’s Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library to the unparalleled selection at Chicago’s Delilah’s, each of these destinations offers a chance to transcend the typical night out.
Prepare to be transported as you sip rare vintage pours, explore unique craft blends, and discover new flavors from the knowledgeable bartenders. With an almost reverential approach to whiskey, these world-class bars are museums and tasting rooms rolled into one. Lose yourself in the warm aromas, bold flavors, and convivial environments that make them beloved spots for whiskey worship.
For those who desire to take their whiskey passion to new heights, an evening at one of America’s premier whiskey bars is practically a required pilgrimage. Whether you’re in New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, or elsewhere, make plans to immerse yourself in the craftsmanship, history, and cultures that have elevated these five whiskey institutions to the top of every spirit lover’s bucket list. An unforgettable dram awaits.
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