10 Must-Try Whiskey Bars In Manhattan

By Michelle, Genius in New York

Manhattan offers an abundance of fine whiskeys from all over the world and a plethora of atmospheres in which to sip them. Whether you’re looking for an exquisite, barrel-aged Scotch or a traditional Old Fashioned, NYC has no shortage of impeccable whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes. We profile ten whiskey bars that are sure to fulfill all of your late-night and happy hour needs.

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Hudson Bar and Books

Hudson Bar and Books is a dedicated whiskey and cigar bar with several locations across Manhattan, as well as Prague and Warsaw. The drink menu offers a stellar selection of Scotch, with several decently priced options. Choose from the MaCallan 24, Glenmorangie, and Hibiki, pair your selection with a cigar, and unwind.

Hudson Bar and Books, 636 Hudson Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 229 2642

The Whiskey Ward

The Whiskey Ward is a local favorite. Exposed brick walls, wooden bar chairs, and the pool table give this bar a rustic, relaxed vibe. Boasting a lengthy lineup of over 200 whiskies, including new and limited selections, this bar opens your eyes and taste buds to some seriously unique pours at reasonable prices. Whiskey aficionados can enjoy Masterson’s Rye or a Japanese Akashi White Oak, while cocktail devotees will love the top shelf Premium Bulleit Rye and Sparkling Bourbon Cocktail. Newcomers can choose a favorite with a whiskey flight sampling.

The Whiskey Ward, 121 Essex Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 477 2998

Brandy Library

With the largest Scotch collection in Manhattan, Brandy Library is a must-try for any whiskey connoisseur. Their menu features 450 types of whiskey, displayed on the wall throughout the dimly lit bar. Patrons can enjoy single malts, blended malts, blended Scotches, and single and blended grain Scotch whiskies. Spirit sommeliers are on site to guide you through their fine selection of elixirs. Sip on the smooth flavors of the 1945 Darroze Armagnac or a 1914 Pierre Ferrand cognac while listening to classic tunes.

Brandy Library, 25 North Moore Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 226 5545

Fraunces Tavern

One of Manhattan’s most historic locations, Fraunces Tavern was famously visited by George Washington. The bar is romantic yet lively with a fireplace setting a cozy and tranquil ambiance. Featuring a historic mural, the space is decorated with W. Dunsmore’s art of the Revolutionary War. With soothing jazz music in the background, relax as you sip on your favorite dark spirit. Remember to tour the upstairs museum while indulging in their selection of top self whiskeys, or their signature Dubliner cocktail.

Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 968 1776

Whiskey Tavern

Whiskey Tavern is a neighborhood favorite for its energetic vibe and impressive whiskey selection. Located in Chinatown, it offers reasonably priced savors like Buffalo Trace, Lagavulin, and High West, as well as classic cocktails like the Whiskey Sour, Traveling Secretary, and Bourbonrita. Check out its sister bars on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn.

Whiskey Tavern, 79 Baxter Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 374 9119

Rye House

This chic and contemporary American pub fosters a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Featuring a superior selection of whiskeys, Rye House offers rare vintages like Bulleit 10yr KY, Widow Jane 10yr, Ardbeg Corryveckan, and Yamazaki 18yr. Its signature cocktail, Clara Bow, is a great balance of sweet and tart, and it makes for a refreshing side to some savory truffle popcorn, while the punch with jalapeño-infused bourbon is another must-try. The bartenders will ensure that your experience is a thrilling one and that you try both sophisticated and eccentric dark spirits before the night is over.

Rye House, 11 West 17th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 255 7260

Vintry Wine & Whiskey

With a 16-page menu, Vintry Wine & Whiskey is truly devoted to whiskey. Enjoy some exquisite pours like Balvenie 17, the Macallan 18, or the 18 year-old Laphroaig. If you fancy a sweet savor, try some of their signature cocktails like 1860’s Flip, Hot Sazerac, Vintry’s Hot Toddy, or Gingerade. Pair your drink selection with a cheese plate, which is served with apricot preserves, nuts, and bread.

Vintry Wine & Whiskey, 57 Stone Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 480 9800

Maysville

With high ceilings and a luxurious backlit whiskey wall, Maysville is something of a modern lounge named after the birthplace of Kentucky bourbon. Indulge in a wide selection of bourbons, from Wheated Bourbon, Corn Whiskey, White Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey, or opt for a signature cocktail like Sazerac Rye, Angel’s Envy, Eagle Rare Bourbon, and Berkshire New England Corn.

Maysville, 17 West 26th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 646 490 8240

Caledonia Scottish Whisky Bar

A haven for the whiskey-obsessed, Caledonia offers a discerning selection of Scottish favorites. The bar emanates an intimate, warm atmosphere, serving as the perfect go-to for a glass of Jameson, Caol Ila, or Glenlivet. If you don’t like your whiskey straight, opt for their cocktails like the Penicillin, the Smokey Whiskey Sour, or even a hot chocolate with whiskey.

Caledonia Scottish Whisky Bar, 1609 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 734 4300

The Campbell Apartment

Located in Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell Apartment is an extravagant cocktail bar exuding old New York City glamour. Go back to the Prohibition Era with beautiful stained glass windows, eccentric woodwork and wall art, dark hardwood beams across the walls and ceiling, and a massive antique bar. Listen to some classics and cool jazz while sipping on classic cocktails like a Kentucky Ginger, Old Fashioned, Sazerac, or Manhattan.

The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 953 0409

 

By our Genius in New York Michelle

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a Master of Business in Global Business Analysis, Michelle has relocated to New York City from Sunnyvale, California and is writing about culture from a global traveler perspective. She enjoys perusing galleries in the Chelsea and SoHo areas, jogging in Central Park, and salsa dancing.

This article was originally published on The Culture Trip