Grain offers one of the most geographically extensive whisky menus in Sydney. Within one tasting, you can travel from the remote Scottish isle of Islay to a farm in New York state to the foothills of Japan’s Mount Kaikomagatake.

You could go to the Baxter Inn every night for a year and never drink the same whisky twice. Yep, there are more than 360 drams to try in this tricky-to-find yet always packed-to-the-rafters establishment.

Swinging saloon doors lead into The Whisky Room, which you’ll find hidden away in the back of Surry Hills’ Clock Hotel. Chesterfields, low lighting, vintage maps and sporting trophies complete the old-timey, Hemingway-esque feel. 

All those who kneel at the shrine of Ardbeg, Stitch is your temple. It’s Sydney’s only Ardbeg Embassy — and one of few bars around the world to have earned the honour. 

For your Irish fix, The Wild Rover is your go-to. More than 40 whiskies from the Emerald Isle grace the laidback, folk-barn-esque establishment, including some premium numbers, like Bushmills' 21-year-old Madeira Finish.

According to the menu, Uncle Ming’s story began way back in 19th-century Shanghai when a sweet potato seller forewent his honest trade for a life of crime. 

Bulletin Place's whisky collection might not be as big as that of other bars on this list, but it more than makes up for its lack of quantity in its quality and adventurousness. 

Like Uncle Ming's, Tokyo Bird specialises in Japanese whisky. Unlike the good uncle, it's gone for the clean, sleek side of Asian design: white tiling, simple wooden stools and a communal table to make socialising fluid. 

If bourbon's your thing, Shady Pines is where you'll find one of the best collections in the city. More than 150 American whiskies are to be found behind the bar. And the Wild West setting is the ideal spot to knock them back. 

For a tranquil, sophisticated whisky experience, land yourself a comfortable couch in Eau-de-Vie's dedicated whisky room. It's hidden away at the back of the main room, which itself is secretively located through the lobby of the Kirketon Hotel.