The Nine Best Whisky Bars in Auckland

Mark Twain may have said it best when he proclaimed, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough." While the name literally means 'water of life' in gaelic (uisge beatha), the first written records of whisky trace back to the 14th century mentioning an Irish clan chief who ironically died from consuming too much at Christmas.

For those unfamiliar, the spirit is made from fermented grain mash and comes in several classes, due to factors like: the type of grain, distillation and ageing process. All variations of whisky (and whiskey) have enjoyed their time in the spotlight, though Japan currently holds the trophy for the world's best single malt.

Either way, it's cold outside and cradling a dram of the good stuff has never been more appealing. Whatever your style and spelling preference, this is a guide to some of the best whisky, whiskey and bourbon whiskey bars in Auckland.

COLEY & PUNCH

Sandwiched between Euro and The Culpeper on Princess Wharf you'll find Coley and Punch, a small and friendly bar with 250-odd varieties of whisky (at least that's what they have written down), all alphabetised and accompanied by tasting notes, age, barrel condition and region in a slick leather-bound 'whisky bible'. Alternatively, you could leave yourself in the capable hands of the bartenders who come with a wealth of knowledge. The impressive spirit wall boasts something for every palate, including single malts and Scotches from around the globe to a 1950 Glen Grant that will set you back $300 a dram. A collection of American bourbon is also slowly making its way to the shelf. It may not the biggest range in town, but it's definitely one of the best.

22 Princess Wharf, CBD.

CHOP CHOP NOODLE HOUSE & WHISKY BAR

This hole-in-the-wall eatery and sibling of the Blue Breeze Inn is usually where you'd settle down with a pina colada rather than a single malt. As well as being a great spot to slurp back noodles, the bar gives up the opportunity to engage in conversation over a dram with the bar staff. The substantial list of whiskey is mostly made up of American varieties, though there's also one Scotch whisky on the list in the form of the peaty ten-year Ardbeg, which comes alongside the apt description of "a long and glorious mix of sea-salted caramel and beach bonfire smoke." Not shy of experimentation with the spirit, the coconut milkshake also comes with the option of including a shot of bourbon.

140 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Central.

THE CORK GIN & WHISKEY

The Cork is a by-product of Ponsonby's Grand Central, the default location for drinking into the small hours of the morning. Located on Mackelvie Street, the bar manages to retain a bit more class than its beer-soaked sibling, with a particularly intimate appeal and what has been touted as the 'sunniest outdoor area in Ponsonby'. Irish whiskey is the specialty with everything from mainstream labels to top shelf rarities that will excite and please the most stubborn of drinkers. They also have Scotch, American and Japanese varieties thrown in for good measure.

65a Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby.

THE LUMSDEN FREEHOUSE

Best known for its impressive beer selection — including 15 taps of rotating local brews and over 120 bottles and cans — Newmarket's Lumsden Freehouse also delves into the relatively uncharted territory of American bourbon whiskey. There are 40 and counting varieties on the shelf ranging from instantly recognisable labels to lesser known wonders from the depths of Kentucky — some punching above 130 proof. If you're not sure what you're after, bourbon tastings can be organised for groups between 8 – 24.

448 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket.

FUKUKO

Located in the Britomart precinct, Fukuko is the relaxed cousin of Japanese eatery Ebisu. Attributed as being primarily a shochu and snack bar, Fukuko also serves up exotic cocktails and the largest public collection of Japanese whisky in the city. As the menu reveals, there are two main types of the Japanese drop; an old style which utilises traditions introduced by the Scottish, and new style which is more balanced and flavourful. You'll spend anywhere from $12 to $100 for a 12-year Nikka Yoichi single malt. If you're willing to step outside the whisky box, the bar's selection of shochu differs in varieties, from sweet potato to a rich sesame style.

48 Tyler Street, Britomart.

THE WHISKEY

The Ponsonby spirit institution has a colourful history and an extensive roll of owners. Lifted out of liquidation by former Julep owner and acclaimed mixologist Phil Mead, but now owned by Khushru and Kashmira Umrigar, The Whiskey serves as a sophisticated drinking den (in the early hours of the night). The proudly stacked spirit wall is intimidating from the outset. Rest assured, the bar staff will go above and beyond to sort you right, as well as offer more insight and entertainment than the menu.

210 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby.

THE CORNER STORE

The dimly lit room that greets you at Mt Eden's Corner Store is typically brimming with those looking for a pre-drink before heading to the neighbouring Powerstation for a mosh. It also bodes well for those simply after a drink, and a good one at that. Forty variations of whisky make up the list, predominantly from infamous Scotch regions including Speyside, Lowland, Islay, Island, Highland and Campbeltown. There's also a look in for Ireland, Japan and New Zealand's award-winning Thomson whisky, too. Effectively three bars in one, the bar also includes a sizeable function room and an alluring courtyard to enjoy your drink of choice.

25 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace.

WOODPECKER HILL

In addition to the slick wine, beer and cocktail list, Woodpecker Hill has an focus on bourbon-style whiskey, a suitable accompaniment to their barbecue infused menu and strangely comforting ancient temple/ski lodge interior. The bar stocks around 65 kinds of whiskey, including its own concoction distilled by drinks maestro Sebastian Smith on Waiheke Island. The signature White Lightning moonshine, found in most cocktails, is an un-aged spirit created as a by-product of the whiskey making process. Tasting notes for each whiskey are also handily including on the menu, including one you should "keep in the mouth forever", one "similar to Grandma's homemade banana pudding" and one with notes of "leather, burnt sugar and a finish of candied black pepper."

196 Parnell Road, Parnell.

THE JEFFERSON

The Jefferson certainly wins the prize for the largest range of whisky and bourbon whiskey on offer. A bonafide yellow pages is set out in a handy alphabetised fashion and boasts 500 variations on whisky and 150 bourbons. Despite the intimidating 60 metres of shelving to choose from (there's literally everything you could imagine), most of the staff are well clued up and will help you narrow it down to the perfect drink. The price point starts at $10 and peaks at $104 per shot. The environment is swankier than your average dimly lit whisky haven, coming across as something of an upmarket adult lounge bar.

7 Fort Lane, CBD.

Header image: Coley & Punch.