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Best Whiskey/Cocktail Bar Experience

1 6

J
JayRain started a discussion

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to check out a number of Toronto cocktail bars and have been impressed at the dedication invested and its resulting outcomes. It is a nice balance to tastings w friends and carries a nice lively atmosphere (it is more than bells and whistles).

The best experience however was in Washington DC at a place called the Columbia Room. I've never had the surreality of a cocktail tasting menu (paired w appetizers) and was blown away by the event (which led to impromptu conversations w other patrons and made for an intellectually stimulating night as well).

Highly recommend to anyone either in the area or just visiting to check it out - the knowledge, service and spirits created an unforgettable evening.

7 years ago

6 replies

J
JayRain replied

For the Toronto folk, I would recommend the following Cocktail Bars (in order and in the comfort of friends):

  • Bar Chef
  • Clocktower
  • Cloak Bar
  • Famous Last Words
  • Cold Tea
  • Pretty Ugly

7 years ago 0

J
JayRain replied

I missed Cocktail Bar & Rush Lane - both should be placed above Cold Tea

7 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor replied

@JayRain, no mention of The Feathers in Toronto? Or did they sell out all of that good old Scotch because they were under-pricing it? (or did they re-price it at its true value so that no one could afford it?)

Drop me a line when you are in DC again.

7 years ago 0

@cowfish
cowfish replied

Over here in London we've finally started picking up a few whisky-focused cocktail bars.

Black Rock has an excellent range and half an oak tree running through the middle of the room – it has two oak-line channels running through it, one containing the house blend and the other the house cocktail.

Bar Swift opened a few weeks back and is already on lists for best-new-opening awards. I popped in briefly at the weekend and only had a quick foray into the downstairs bar to find the bathroom, but it looks like it might combine another excellent whisky list with an excellent range of non-whisky cocktails. More investigation needed...

(and hello again everyone)

7 years ago 1Who liked this?

J
JayRain replied

@Victor Thanks Victor - was not aware of Feathers (more aware of West than East) and after taking a look at the site, would be intrigued to try a couple of their flights.

For Single Malt/Neat Whiskey (versus mixed cocktails), there is a fondness for Caledonian & Emmett Ray (still have not tried Allen's yet either).

Thank you for your considerate offer as well...jr

7 years ago 0

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@jeanluc