Whisky, Whiskey and Scotch...Where To Find It

Whisky, whiskey and scotch… they’re all good in your bellies and the distinguishing factors are probably best described as mostly geographical.

All I can tell you is that they are delicious and warming, having surpassed the age that I can only tolerate overly sugary, pre-mixed, clear spirited drinks. Even champagne used to be too much… But as I’ve grown older, my alcoholic prejudices have fallen by the wayside; they’re all welcome in these thirsty mits, especially if you can find a nice bartender to fix you a pickleback.

The Baxter Inn - Clarence St, Sydney

What the Shady Pines saloon crew have set up here is a dark, poky saloon style whiskey haven. Paying a visit to the Baxter Inn just makes me think of Ron Burgundy, his beloved dog Baxter and his insatiable taste for scotch (‘I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch). Going to the Baxter you go down, down and find yourself in awe of the 300+ whiskies lining the walls.

Whisky Room at The Clock Hotel - Crown St, Surry Hills

Open till late Wednesday through Saturday the Whisky Room not surprisingly enough serves whisky; like the trendy whisky drinks tipple of choice, whisky and freshly squeezed green apple juice – ask the bartenders for their weekly special however! Playing host to a fairly decent menu too, I’d recommend hitting it up for some late afternoon boozing or early evening debauchery.

Shady Pines Saloon - 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst

If you’ve been drinking in Sydney for the past 5 years then you will have heard of this place, if not because of their penchant for taxidermy.  So, kick back and relax like hunting seasons just finished while you sip on a Mint Julep or Whisky Sour, but be careful or before you know it you’ll be declaring muskets at dawn out front of the saloon.

The Wild Rover - Campbell St, Surry Hills  

Any place that is named after a drinking song has got to inspire some thirst hasn’t it? With a plethora of whiskeys from around the world to entice you in and cleverly named cocktails to make you stay this honest, simple bar is doing everything right – even the food; oysters for you high rollers or sausage rolls for us more simple folk. It’s like a big warm hug in the middle of Surry Hills.

Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern - Elizabeth St, Sydney

Hidden away with only a black sign bearing three skulls to identify it, the Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern was started by some of the boys who worked at your beloved Baxter Inn. Here you’ll find nothing but craft beer if you’re chasing a brew. The Rascal’s are building up a nice liquor collection behind the bar and offer delicious cocktails like their Tombstone (bourbon, bitters and a whisky soaked cherry) or the classic Old Fashioned. Given its location nestled in-between Park and Elizabeth Street it’s perfect for mid-week madness if you’re a weekly city-slicker.