As the holidays approach and temperatures dip in NYC, we’re all seeking warm hideaways where we can spend some time and create some memories. The winter season is also a great time to cozy up with some serious whiskey. Fans of the spirit have some world-class spots to choose from in New York City. This lineup of destinations goes from casual to elegant and offers varieties from Scotland to America, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and beyond. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s definitely a destination to suit your whiskey style.
Analogue
Greenwich Village’s craft cocktail bar Analogue will be hosting its Whiskey Festival on Saturday, December 9th from 12:30 to 4:30pm. The festival will feature tastings and demos from more than 20 national and international distilleries, including Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Highland Park, Monkey Shoulder, Wild Turkey, and others. Along with tastings, vendors will share their extensive whiskey knowledge. The casual, interactive setting will also offer live music, cocktail specials, and complimentary bites. Information and tickets are available here. 212-432-0200, 19 W. 8th St., analoguenyc.com
Hudson Bar & Books
This West Village haven offers an extensive menu of whiskeys, spirits, wines, and cigars. The whiskey menu includes labels from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and other destinations around the globe. Tasting flights are also available. Literature enthusiasts will enjoy the collection of books that line the walls in this classic library setting. Established in 1990, Hudson Bar and Books was the very first locale of this group; there are also locations in Prague and Warsaw. 212-229-2642, 636 Hudson St., barandbooks.cz/hudson
The Flatiron Room
This American restaurant and bar offers 1,000 varieties of whiskey, expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz/bluegrass, and sumptuous food. The Flatiron Room boasts a truly vintage vibe. Whiskey aficionados will be lured by this elegant night venue’s collection. The drink menu offers a selection of tasting flights, which includes the New York Flight—Catskills Most Righteous Bourbon, Hudson Four Grain, Rough Rider Bull Moose Bourbon, Breuckelen 77 Wheat, Hudson Single Malt, and Pine Barrens Single Malt. Guests are invited to sample, enjoy, learn, and discuss the complexities of this fine spirit. Whiskies hail from all over the world—from the islands around Scotland to The Highlands, The Lowlands, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and beyond. The Flatiron Room also offers live jazz performances every night. ClickitTicket.com named this destination one of the 50 best jazz clubs in America. Other accolades include being named “Best Whiskey Bar in America” by Travel + Leisure. 212-725-3860, 37 W. 26th St., theflatironroom.com
Maysville
American whiskey bar Maysville pairs Southern-inspired eats with a vast whiskey selection. The bar’s name was derived from the Kentucky port town from which whiskey was first shipped out of state. Maysville’s menu offers more than 150 American whiskeys. Guests are invited to explore varieties from distilleries all over the country. One-and 2-ounce tastes are available. On the menu are rye whiskeys, corn whiskeys, white whiskeys, wheat whiskeys, and beyond. On Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Maysville offers The Early Bourbon. Featured bourbons are at least half price. There’s also half priced beer, cocktails, wine, and oysters. 646-490-8240, 17 W. 26th St., maysvillenyc.com
Whiskey Tavern
The philosophy at Whiskey Tavern is simple: well-poured drinks, reasonable prices, good music, a comfortable setting, and great service. This true New York City Tavern boasts a menu of bourbons, which includes Basil Hayden, Evan Williams, Kings County, and Willet Pot Still while the selection of ryes includes Sazerac, Bulleit, Old Overholt, and beyond. There’s also a range of scotches, American/Canadian varieties, and even Irish and Japanese labels. Those who yearn to explore several varieties can choose one of the whiskey flights, which offer one-ounce pours. Try the Air Canada—Michter’s Rye, Rittenhouse, and High West Double or the Aer Lingus—Jameson, Tullamore Dew, and Red Breast. 212-374-9119, 79 Baxter St., whiskeytavernnyc.com
