Sunday 28 May marks International Whisky Day, inviting everyone to celebrate all types of whisky, however you may enjoy it. While there may be few restaurants in Canberra that specialise in the brown spirit, they all do it really, really well and showcase it in many different forms, even for those who aren’t seasoned drinkers yet.
Molly
Perhaps serving Canberra’s largest range of whisky, prohibition bar, Molly is constantly serving their favourite spirit in new ways for you to try. Alongside having a generous menu for you to explore on any given night, they host regular tastings and masterclasses, often bringing in special guests to guide you through the session. Pair that with their late-night snack menu and live jazz and you’ll be taken back to the seductive glamour of the 20’s.
Volstead Repeal
Delivering balanced, exceptional drinks with a focus on whisky, Volstead Repeal’s goal is to get everyone who walks through the door to love the spirit as much as they do. A New York style bar with over 400 whiskies (plus a killer pizza menu!), order your favourite, taste a special drop, try one of their signature cocktails, or ask their expert bartenders for a recommendation. If you’re interested in more than just drinking, join Volstead’s weekly guided whisky tastings on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
Hippo Co
Known for their weekly Thursday and Saturday whisky tastings, Hippo Co are here for those regular drinkers down to first-timers. Guiding you through six curated whiskies from their selection of over 280, learn about the history, flavour profiles and tasting notes alongside a cheeseboard. Or join them in the afternoon through to late night and try a whisky neat, on ice, in a cocktail or whatever way you enjoy it.
Raku
Elevating your meal with a curated drink pairing, next time you dine at Raku try something different and order the Japanese whisky tasting. Comprising four 30ml tastings of some of the country’s best whiskies, sip alongside deliciously fresh seafood. Serving whisky in more ways than one, explore their cocktail menu, order from the whisky menu or even try it in a dish, with the whisky chocolate fondant with sticky miso caramel.
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
A quirky bar for when you want a creative tipple, inspired by the curious world of Alice in Wonderland, White Cocktail Room makes tea time fun. While you can spend the afternoon ordering from their cocktail menu, whisky fans can enjoy a wide range of Irish, Canadian, Japanese and rye whiskies.
Wine more your thing? Check out Canberra’s best wine bars.
