Call me old-fashioned, but drinking spirits can be whiskey business!
Whether you’re a novice whiskey drinker or a seasoned professional passionate about infusing the right flavours into your brew – we can all enjoy World Whiskey Day on Monday, May 20.
Whiskey is an historical classic spirit which has been distilled with care for more than 500 years. The choice of Kings and peasants alike for generations, whiskey is easily poured been friends and the catalyst to make great memories.
Here are five venues to toast World Whiskey Day on Monday:
Hip and Trendy Bar
Those seeking a hip and trendy bar to hang out with friends head down High Street in Northcote to find Francesca’s Bar. Exposed brick walls, vintage furniture and neon signage create a unique and stylish vibe, while the ping pong table attracts plenty of attention and competition.
With a reputation for top-shelf cocktails and drinks, settle in for a Monday session with a classic whiskey sour with single malt, lemon, sugar and egg white, best paired with a delicious slice of gourmet pizza or a beef burger and crunchy fries.
Japanese Tapas Treats and Whiskey
Discover Stick Bar on Clarence Street in Port Macquarie for good times and Japanese-inspired tapas. This hidden gem is well worth a detour to visit with craft cocktails and yakitori delights served in surrounds of recycled timber, glowing amber pendent lighting and an eclectic mix of artwork.
Grab your mates on Monday and perch on a stool at the bar while sipping a Tokyo honey whiskey sour with honey, lemon and yuzu juice, or a smoked maple rye Old Fashioned, to go with Korean fried chicken, with sweet and spicy gochujang sauce and Kewpie mayo.
Range of Whiskey to Tempt All Tastes
Brother duo, Mark and Tony Pendreich are the brains behind The Valley Cellardoor, a popular wine bar and bottle shop on Hall Street in Moonee Ponds. A picket fence borders a front beer garden, penning in a crowd of lively locals enjoying time spent unwinding in good company while further in, an earthy and rustic style abounds around a small-scale open-plan kitchen and shelves stacked to the roof with wine.
With a range of whiskey to tempt all tastes, perhaps order a wee dram of Glenfiddich single malt Scotch, or Australian double grain Starward Whisky to go with a charcuterie platter or cheese board; food orders can also be made from local restaurants for delivery.
Drink Where the Locals Drink
Drink where the locals drink at Sydney spirit and cocktail bar, Grain by Four Seasons Hotel on George Street in the heart of the city. Grain Bar celebrates the fine craft of drinking in a neighbourhood vibe - showcasing passion, produce and people in moody surrounds of subtle lighting, a glowing aqua bar and embossed walls, setting the scene for lingering over cocktails and share plates.
On Monday, get the celebrations started with a whiskey flight of Australian drops – Dark Lark, Manly Coastal Stone Shiraz and Overeem Port – or go Japanese with Hibiki Harmony, Hakushu Distillery Reserve and Yamazaki 12, paired with a smoked duck lotus bao bun.
Well-loved Local Watering Hole
Discover a slice of England in the heart of Launceston at Cock ‘n’ Bull British Pub on Wellington Street. This well-loved local watering hole is the place to head to cosy up by the fire in the upstairs dining area during chilly months, while downstairs is full of tradition with patterned carpet and wooden table settings setting the scene for family get-togethers over a classic pub menu.
Order a whiskey straight up from the bar to go with pub favourites such as bangers on a mountain of creamy mash with vegetables and brown onion gravy; or devour a signature tender beef and Guinness pie, with chips and salad.