Whisky Bars in Australia

Whisky Bars in Australia Whether you enjoy your dram of whisky neat or incorporated into a whimsical cocktail, the plethora of bars that dot the hospitality landscape of Australia will not disappoint. From American to Scottish whiskies, many bars across the land down under are equipped to cater to the most sophisticated palates. So which ones should you head out to first? Read on for our breakdown of some of the best whisky bars in Australia.

Whisky Bars in Australia The Doss House

Housed in a quaint heritage building, the Doss House whisky bar is aptly located in an underground area on The Rocks. Keeping to its theme of minimalism,  the exposed sandstone walls and vintage interior lend its ambience to that of bygone days of old world charm. Considering that its a basement bar, the venue also features an intimate and chic terrace.  As for the whiskies, the bar´s coverage includes more than a 150 varieties. However, whisky is not the only poison on its menu which also boasts of some fine wine, vodka and gin as well. The Doss House´s range of whiskies is laid out in oak cabinets open to viewing and stretches across distilleries from the US, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Australia and many more countries. To get a taste of their range of rare whiskies, chat up a bartender and have a swig of the popular Hibiki which is more than 30 -years old.

77/79 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
www.thedosshouse.com.au

Whisky and alement

Formerly known as the Chez Regine, the Whisky and Alement bar has come a long way from there awesome cocktail collection and affordable beers.  Founders Julian White and Brooke Hayman, have carved out a niche market for the bar in terms of its specialisation in Scottish Whisky. So much so that that the owners and the bar staff themselves are popular connoisseurs when it comes to anything whisky. From the wait staff to members behind the bar, will be more than happy to advise and suggest whiskies to suit your taste. With some support from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the bar has been able to broaden their selection of Scottish whiskies, including those rare and hard to come by names. In addition, the establishment´s monthly tasting sessions have known to garner the interest of top distillers.

270 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
whiskyandale.com.au

Varnish on King

Having earned the title of Best Small Bar in Western Australia, Varnish on King is a hidden gem of a boutique basement bar. You might wonder what gastronomic or spirit fuelled offerings at Varnish have earned them the title? the bar´s unique pairing of whisky and bacon is a must to try. Although the bar remains hidden amongst the lofty institutions in Perth´s Business District, it has captured the attention of the Australian Hotels Association, which awarded it for excellence in service. This American themed whisky bar with its 80s music playing in the background has the capacity to accommodate 100 visitors, so it’s not that little as it might seem. The food served here is on par with any five-star restaurant, but it’s more of a casual dining experience, so don’t expect to find white tablecloths. The bar is well stocked with a wine selection, gin, vodka and rum as well as a detailed cocktail list so non-whisky drinkers won´t be left out.
75 King St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
varnishonking.com

Lake Distillery Cellar Door

Considered as Australia’s leading distillery, the Lark Distillery Cellar Door is must for enthusiasts who are eager to learn the details of distilling. The distillery was begun properly in 1992, by Bill Lark who is revered in the industry as Tasmania’s godfather of whisky. Lark is also infamously known as the first man to challenge an archaic ban on distilling, which was set to be imposed by the Governor John Franklin at the time. The cellar door´s appearance is essentially that of wood and an iron bar with oak barrels carefully positioned to give that retro feel. The distillery is a family affair where Bill’s wife and daughter Kristy lend a hand at running the distillery. Kristy who joined as head distiller became the youngest female distiller in the world. The distillery churns out about fifteen barrels of 100 liter capacity every month. Their range of products includes the signature Lark Single Malt Whisky, Godfather Gin and the Slainte Single Malt Whisky Liqueur to name a few.
Address: 14 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
larkdistillery.com/cellar-door

The Baxter Inn

The Baxter Inn in Sydney is a well concealed underground basement bar that is very serious about its spirits on offer. With bottles stacked high against the wall in the bar area, a ladder is often required to reach all of the varieties. From cocktails that are whisky based, the Baxter Inn boasts of more than eight hundred brands of whisky, making its list the biggest and longest in the whole of Australia. True lovers of whisky can often be found in the cellar where all the special blends are stored. With the cellar’s dimly lit environs and posters from the 1920s and 1930s adorning the cellar walls, it’s easy to understand why the bar is a firm favourite in Sydney.
Address: NO. 156 Clarence St 2000
http://thebaxterinn.com

Grain

Showcasing an impressive selection of international and local whiskies, the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, called the Grain is another venue worthy of mentioning. Whether it is American, Japanese or even Scottish whisky the line up at the Grain is quite impressive. A point of note is the bar´s unique list of American whiskies from EH Taylor to Buffalo Trace and US Bourbons. The staff is also well versed at putting together some whisky based cocktails for those who prefer a bit of a twist. With a seat closest to the window overlooking George Street, the Grain offers the perfect ambiance to sip your favourite drink.
Address : 199 George St Sydney
www.fourseasons.com/sydney/dining/lounges/grain