For those in Sydney who enjoy a drop of liquid gold every now and then, you’ll do well to seek out Sydney’s best whisky bars. Not all are in plain sight and not all are on ground level, but the allure of going on a hunt to seek out the finest single-malt Scotch, or to discover the next best whisky from Japan makes Sydney’s whisky bars even more special.
Whether you enjoy it in a highball, on the rocks or neat, there’s a whisky bar for you in Sydney to do it just the way you like.
In this Sydney Whisky Bars story…
Banchō
10 Thomas Ln, Haymarket, 2000
There isn’t much to choose from in the way of hidden whisky bars in Sydney when compared to the world, which makes Banchō even more impressive. Launched by the same crew behind Surry Hills’ cult small bar, Tokyo Bird, Banchō is an entirely different vibe with high ceilings and a warehouse-style space that’s been converted into a fine drinking establishment with some of the most coveted Japanese and international whisky brands on offer. Go for the impeccable service and whiskies, stay for the lively and sophisticated atmosphere.
The Baxter Inn
152/156 Clarence St, Sydney, 2000
This elusive little whisky bar is also a must-find; both for newbies who want to cultivate a bit more knowledge and serious whisky buffs. What we love isn’t just the moonshine – and there are around one hundred and fifty-six varieties of that to slake your thirst – but the pantomime of The Baxter Inn.
Through the beat-up door and down into the bar (an old loading dock), and you’re confronted by meticulously-groomed and snappily-dressed bartenders running up and down and zipping along those brilliant rolling library ladders, and scampering across the counters to reach the bottles of grog they need from the backlit wall.
It’s phenomenal. It’s treat for all the senses, not just the palate, and we felt as if we’d stepped back in time to some New Orleans speakeasy. A night spent sampling the amber delights at The Baxter Inn is like participating in a show, a show in which it’s perfectly acceptable and, indeed, expected, to get a little sozzled. Did we mention the complementary pretzels?
The Doss House
77/79 George St, The Rocks, 2000
Like a bit of old world charm with your glass of whisky? The Doss House oozes as much charisma as David Beckham in leather pants riding a majestic white horse. Okay, wrong type of charisma, but The Doss House does do good whisky alongside spirits and cocktails. Set in a basement amongst the sandstone walls and fireplaces, those who drop in will also be greeted with a stunning terrace area. Not bad for a space which used to be occupied a boot maker, boarding house, doctor’s surgery and opium dealer, some of which have been entwined within the interiors of the five cosy bar spaces.
Tokyo Bird
Commonwealth St & Belmore Lane, Surry Hills, 2010
Hakushu, Kaukubin, and Yamazaki; they sound like the names of legendary samurai, but they’re just three whiskies that form part of the huge selection that awaits those who are burning for a drop from the Land of the Rising Sun.
They happily grill shitake mushrooms and eggplant and, what’s more, they’ll help you match your culinary selections with the whisky that will most handsomely complement them. There’s a range of whiskies to suit every budget, so if you’re still riding the lightning on Sunday morning after a big Saturday night, and feel like keeping the session alive then hit up Tokyo Bird.
It’s a hard place to beat, especially if you want to go somewhere a little more exotic. But, like a couple of other bars on this list, it takes a wee bit of finding. Well worth it when you do though. Go early to avoid the wait.
Shady Pines Saloon
4/256 Crown St, Darlinghurst, 2010
Okay boys, here’s the short of it. We’re in love, and we don’t care who knows it, because for us this is IT.
The whisky bar to end all whisky bars, and the only place we want to go to get on the sauce. Of course, it’s the big brother of the aforementioned Baxter Inn, so, of course, it’s a bloody ripper. You don’t survive over five years in Darlinghurst, as a bar business by taking the piss. And yet, it almost feels as if that is exactly what this bar is about, with taxidermy galore and ridiculous stuffed fish on the walls and tacky bar paraphernalia.
But it’s perfect, right down to the peanut shells crunching under your shoes. You look back up the stairs you just came down, and you’re half-expecting a couple of cowboys to come tumbling down them and smash through a table. It’s just fantastic. As if you’ve stepped into an old Western dive that’s been combined with your quintessential Canadian local ski-town tavern.
We ordered, quite literally, a “shot of whisky” and the bartender – without batting an eyelid – cracked down a glass, poured us a dram of cheap bourbon (what we assume was the Shady Pines version of a house wine) and zipped off with our cash. You will never have a bad night or time here.
Shirt Bar
Shop 7b/100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, 2000
Excuse us whilst we rein our minds away from the Westworld-esque environment of Shady Pines, and settle it more comfortably in Shirt Bar.
This has taken the sometimes-humdrum activity of quality shirt shopping, and made it a lot more bearable. It’s very Mad Men – that’s the most common recurring comment made about this Sydney whisky bar – and although the selection encompasses far less than the other bars on this list, it’s the novelty factor that is so alluring.
For many gentlemen out there it boils down to one question: Why shop sober when you can shop after a couple of doubles? The answer may lie in the flashy purple but perfectly fitting business shirt you might wake up with the following morning.
The Clock Hotel’s Whisky Room
The Clock, 470 Crown St, Surry Hills, 2010
This is a whisky lair that inspires dedication to the cause. A place where you really need to learn to love that distinctive burn, because although the bartenders will happily mix you the whisky-based cocktail of your choice, somehow it feels a little off.
It’s as if on entering The Whisky Room (the name itself invites no nonsense) then it is only fitting that you imbibe the demon drink in its purest form.
The selection is very decent, and we think this is the perfect training ground for any wannabe whisky-heads who’re keen to expand their knowledge from Jim Beam into the realms of Glenmorangie, Jura and beyond.
J&M
1 Angel Pl, Sydney, 2000
So, you want to feel like a boss, like a player, like a big dog, in short; like a Magnificent Bastard. Well, good sir, Sydney’s very own J&M might just be the place for you.
You’ll be shown to your seat and all of a sudden you feel as slick as Russell Crowe in A Good Year. The Chesterfield couches and the overall old world feel of the place are more than adequate to seduce you into thinking that yes, you can wring a little more out of the damned credit card, old boy.
Any other worries are smoothed away as the trolley service arrives with your dram of choice, and the only regret you’ll be left with is that those bastards in government outlawed smoking cigars inside. You’re kept warm and snug in J&M, tucked away from the harsh realities of the world outside in a little time-capsule, with only your glass of 12 year-old Glenfiddich for company.
And yes you’ll have a tin of sardines on buttered toast to nibble on, because what the bloody hell else would you have?
The Wild Rover
75 Campbell St, Surry Hills, 2010
If whisky is your poison then it would be foolish and rude to omit a visit to a Sydney staple with an Irish essence running through its polished wooden and bare brick bones.
Wild Rover is one of those bars that’s also a haven. It’s cosy and welcoming, and their whisky co-op means that you can even track your way through their extensive collection as you drink (yay!) whilst also seeing how many of your dollars you’ve wisely spent (boo) on your new hobby.
There’s good craic to be had here and good whisky, and many men would consider themselves rich men with that.
Sokyo
Level G, The Darling The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, 2009
If eating at Chase Kojima’s flagship Sydney restaurant isn’t an option then there is the next best thing – sitting at the adjoining bar to sample some fine Japanese whisky amongst a cranking atmosphere. The bartenders here are also qualified to match food with your drink so snacking is also a good idea in the case that you get peckish. Their specialty extends beyond just Japanese specialities, with Scottish and Irish blends also on offer.
The Roosevelt
32 Orwell St, Potts Point, 2011
Step back into the glitzy era of America’s bar scene with this upscale New York whisky and cocktail bar located in the heart of Sydney’s Potts Point.
The Roosevelt is run by the geniuses behind Melbourne’s Eau de Vie so that automatically explains its exceptional approach to cocktail making. Half of the fun comes from the experience of watching dapper bartenders in bow ties and suspenders make drinks right in front of you via a cocktail trolley equipped with liquid nitrogen.
If you like your whisky neat with a side of old world Hollywood and a 1940s gangster vibe, The Roosevelt is perfect for your posse. Did we mention there”s also a private poker den out back?
Grain
199 George St, Sydney, 2000
Hidden within Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel is one of the city’s best drinking spots for the liquid gold. Besides the stunning woodgrain decor and relaxing atmosphere, Grain also offers one of Australia’s largest whisky selections alongside killer bar food. The bartenders here know their stuff so patrons are often encouraged to try something new in order to surprise their palette. Boutique beers and crafted cocktails are also on offer, but that’s not why you’ll be here.