The Ten Best Whisky Bars in Sydney

Like the great Mark Twain put it, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough.” Thanks to the proliferation of small bars around the city during the past few years, there’s no dearth of top-shelf gear to indulge in. Whether you want a 20-year-old Japanese reserve accompanied by a hand-chipped ice ball, a selection of whisky-inspired cocktails courtesy of Sydney’s ‘Ardbeg Embassy’ or a flight that lets you sample drops from all over the world in one hit, you’ve got it.

GRAIN

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 to the steamy city of Bangalore, where India’s first single malt is made. If, at any point, you get lost, the bar’s friendly whisky experts will give you directions. Grain is attached to the Four Seasons Hotel, right near Circular Quay. The fit-out is a sleek blend of dark wood and golden lighting, with a central fireplace providing an inviting escape from the cold during winter months. In addition to the epic whisky list, there’s a selection of local wines, beers and classic cocktails with innovative twists, like the Walnut Derby (Woodford reserve and salted caramel, stirred with walnut and chocolate bitters) and the Nikka Please (Nikka from the barrel whisky, stirred with maraschino liqueur, sweet vermouth and bitters). And the bar food is next level, featuring tasty morsels like house-made corn chips with avocado and feta dip, salt and dill cured salmon with salmon roe and crisp bread, and makimono.

199 George Street, City

BAXTER INN

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, tucked away in a dark alleyway off Clarence Street. The bar attendants can only get to them thanks to a ladder on wheels. But it's not only the ridiculously enormous spirits menu that attracts the crowds; it's also the friendly vibe and low-key yet classy interior, complete with candles, carpet and a jazz-blues soundtrack. And let's not forget the free pretzels. The Baxter Inn is run by Anton Forte and Jason Scott, the duo behind Darlinghurst's famous Shady Pines Saloon, also on this list for its mega bourbon collection. Last year, the Baxter Inn scored seventh place in The World's Best Bars Awards.

Basement, 152-156 Clarence Street, City

THE WHISKY ROOM

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. More than 100 whiskies are on offer, including those from familiar brands based in iconic destinations, like the Scottish Highlands and the US, as well as a selection of handpicked, boutique drops from Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. The whisky-driven cocktail menu is equally a mix of classic and adventurous, with imaginative numbers including the Japanese Plum Sour (Yamazaki, plum jam, fresh lemon, plum bitters and egg white) and the Malt Express (Black Bottle, fresh espresso, vanilla syrup and amaro). Each month brings a new whisky flight, giving you the chance to try three drops for $25.

Within The Clock Hotel, 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills

STITCH

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. The title gives Stitch the right to serve every single bottle in the legendary whisky brand’s range, including limited editions. It also means a slew of creative Ardbeg-inspired cocktails, including Heaven Is in the Back Seat of My Sazerac (avocado-washed Ardbeg Corryvreckan, amaro, dark creme de cacao, absinthe, Peychaud's bitters) and The Smoking Rocket (Ardbeg 10yo, Calle 23 blanco tequila, chilli, lime, agave). Plus, there’s a sizeable list of other whiskies, with an emphasis on Scotland and the US. Stitch is housed in an intimate, subterranean space on York Street, where you’ll usually fight for a booth or table. Keep your hunger at bay with a range of posh hot dogs, like the Mack Ducky (duck, orange and foie gras) and the French Poodle (Toulouse-style sausage with brie).

61 York Street, City

THE WILD ROVER

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 and Midleton's Barry Crockett Legacy. Plus there's a generous selection of international drams, from Scotland, the US, Japan, Australia and France. If you're keen to get really serious about your tasting adventures, join The Wild Rover's Whisk(e)y Co-operative. The $25 joining fee buys a starter nip, invitations to monthly tastings and your very own whisky passport, which enables you to keep track of your progress. Whisky-inspired inventions on the cocktail menu include the Chamoflage (chamomile-infused Jameson, lemon, sugar, egg white, hopped grapefruit bitters and cracked pepper) and the Yellow Jacket (George Dickel Tennessee whiskey, yellow chartreuse, lime and house-made ginger beer).

77 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

UNCLE MING'S

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. He became a police officer to collect “protection money” from local opium dealers, and by the 1920s, had grown so powerful he had no choice but to leave China for Sydney, where he set up a bar. Hence, walking into Uncle Ming’s is like venturing into some debauched opium den: the red glow of caged light bulbs, vintage glam shots, wafts of incense, darkened nooks. As far as the whisky list goes, Japanese offerings star — from Yoichi, aged anywhere between 10 and 20 years, to a Yamazaki limited edition and a selection of Suntory and Nikka blends. Other beverage options include sake, plum wine, Uncle Ming’s signature beers and an excellent cocktail list, including whisky-infused creations like the Sakura Sour (Japanese whisky, maraschino liquor, lemongrass syrup and lemon) and The King and Rye (Bulleit rye bourbon, plum wine and kaffir lime syrup).

Lower Ground, 55 York Street, City

BULLETIN PLACE

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. Bar owners Tim Philips (World Class Bartender of the Year 2012), Robb Sloan and Adi Ruiz frequently supplement the stock with newly discovered bottles from all manner of boutique distilleries and exotic locations. And the best part? When ordering, you're presented with a crate of whiskies, from which you can sample a drop or two before making final decisions. Situated in Bulletin Place, Circular Quay, the bar is a welcome escape from the tourist traps that tend to dominate the area, offering a more rustic environment with its distressed walls, murals and wooden furniture. The ever-evolving cocktail menu is updated according to the availability of seasonal ingredients.

First Floor, 10-14 Bulletin Place, Circular Quay 

TOKYO BIRD

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. More than 25 imported drams are on the constantly changing menu, with the range varying from oft-seen drops like Yamazaki 12-year-old to limited editions and reserves. New arrivals are celebrated with launch parties. Head down on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for $35 flights and on Wednesday for bottle-specific shindigs.

Shop 2, 226-228 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills (entry on Belmore Lane)

SHADY PINES SALOON

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. Expect Johnny Cash at full volume, hunted heads on the walls, peanut shells underfoot and a distinct lack of pretension. If you can't handle your whisky straight, opt for a Mint Julep (bourbon, mint, sugar and water) or a Hangman's Fizz (date-infused whisky, maple and sarsparilla).

4/256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

EAU-DE-VIE'S WHISKY ROOM

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. More than 40 malts are on the menu, and the bar's expert staff are happy to walk you through them. Join the whisky club for a 20% discount off all bottles. Once you've tried every single one, you'll graduate to Malt Master status, which gives you access to Eau-de-Vie's rare and hard-to-find malts.

229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst (entry through Kirketon Hotel lobby)

Top image: The Whisky Room.