With Bar Awards voting now open to select this year’s best of the best, what better time to remember the cream of the 2024 crop, in this case, the country’s best whisky bars.
Bar Besuto, Sydney, NSW
Taking cues from traditional Japanese whisky bars, Bar Besuto is nestled in a discreet basement in Sydney’s bustling Circular Quay district. Forging a reputation for stocking ultra-rare Japanese whiskies from owner Joel Best’s collection, customers can enjoy varieties hard pressed to find elsewhere. Its omakase restaurant is next door, rounding out the experience with curated bar snacks and its signature mystery bento box. Besuto’s focus on precision, tradition, and attention to detail, makes the bar a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.
Death & Taxes, Brisbane, QLD
Down Brisbane’s oldest laneway, past impressive street art, and behind imposing wooden double doors is Death & Taxes. Modelled on the underground bars of London and Paris, D&T features exposed brick, dark wood panelling, intimate lighting and sumptuous booths, perfect to settle into as you enjoy premium cocktails from its striking four-metre-tall back bar displaying more than 1000 spirit bottles. While an absolute favourite for whisky buffs, the cocktail menu branches in all directions. You can also BYO food, a casual touch to a classy venue.
Eau de Vie, Sydney, NSW
A tribute to the 1920s speakeasy era, Eau de Vie transports patrons to a world of soft jazz, flickering candlelight, and vintage aesthetic. This award-winning bar is famed for its exclusive whisky lockers, allowing regulars to store their personal bottles. The impressive back bar displays over 500 carefully curated whiskies, with a team of skilled bartenders guiding guests through an immersive tasting experience. Whether you’re sipping a Japanese whisky or a liquid nitrogen-infused cocktail, Eau de Vie is the essence of late-night luxury.
Goodwater, Melbourne, VIC
Goodwater prides itself on being a safe and socially inclusive neighbourhood bar in Northcote, offering quality drinks in a warm and inviting space. The team are passionate about exceptional booze while being a no fuss sort of place. There are more than 250 whiskies on offer with rare and independent bottlings, small-batch, and cask-strength whiskies, as well as cocktails and a menu of American-style snacks.
Ralph Louis Frederick, Adelaide, SA
A hidden gem in Adelaide’s bar scene, Ralph Louis Frederick blends vintage class with a laid-back atmosphere. The space is set with deep leather seating and dark wood finishes. With its timeless style, Ralph Louis Frederick alludes to gentlemen’s clubs of the past, without the exclusivity. The whisky list is extensive, featuring everything from Scottish single malts to Australian craft distilleries. The bar’s signature smoke-infused cocktails and whisky sours make it a crowd favourite.
Savile Row, Brisbane, QLD
Behind the orange door on Fortitude Valley’s Ann Street, Savile Row is a whisky haven. The bar’s floor-to-ceiling back bar houses an impressive 900 spirits, creating the ultimate drinking atmosphere. The interior blends velvet with antique brass and dim chandeliers, to conjure a sense of old-world wealth. The bartenders tailor their recommendations to each bar goer, whether it’s a rare, peated Scotch or a rich aged bourbon. Savile Row offers both an intimate late-night setting and a vibrant late-night hideaway.
The Baxter Inn, Sydney, NSW
In a basement of a building off Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD, is The Baxter Inn. It turns 15 this year and is still regarded as having one of the best selections of whisky in Australia. The back bar – accessible only by ladder – holds over 700 whiskies from all over the world. With its dim lighting, vintage posters, and blues sound, the space is both intimate and lively. With its buzzing atmosphere, prime location and the massive whisky selection, The Baxter Inn is the cornerstone of Sydney’s bar scene.
Volstead Repeal, Canberra, ACT
Within Canberra’s CBD, Volstead Repeal is a sleek speakeasy bar channeling the prohibition era. The bar blends art deco, moody lighting, and leather seating, creating an atmosphere of sophistication. With a carefully curated selection of Scotch, bourbon, and boutique Australian drops, combined with a menu of skillfully crafted classic cocktails Volstead Repeal is known for its intimate scenery and world class bartenders, delivering an elevated whisky experience in Australia’s capital.
The Elysian Whisky Bar, Melbourne, VIC
The Elysian took out top honours in the 2024 Bar Awards, being crowned Whisky Bar of the Year. It is regarded as Melbourne’s go-to for rare bottlings and exclusive pours. The bar has an ever-changing backbar of 350 bottles of rare and interesting whiskies on the shelves, with a focus on independent bottlings from around the world. About 10 new whiskies are introduced every week. With a minimalist yet inviting interior, The Elysian is an intimate and cosy venue that lets the whisky do all the talking. The team encourage the most skilled collector to a whisky novice to explore labels and expand their knowledge, creating one the country’s most curated whisky experiences.
The Gresham, Brisbane, QLD
The Gresham is lauded as Brisbane’s whiskey institution. It merges traditional charm with a contemporary energy. Timber interiors, leather bar stools, and brass finishes set the stage for a whisky menu showcase of American bourbons and classic Scotch single malts. Enriched with character, a wide selection of whiskeys and expert bartenders, the Gresham’s remains a whisky stronghold in Brisbane’s drinking scene.
Whisky and Alement, Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne’s respected whisky bar, Whisky and Alement, is both a whisky den and education hub. The bar sources exclusive cask releases, rare single malts, and drams straight from distilleries to you. Its warm atmosphere allows the focus to stay on the extensive selection, while the carefully curated menu keeps whisky-lovers coming back. With masterclasses and industry connections, Whisky and Alement is a go-to destination for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Whisky Den, Melbourne, VIC
Inspired by Japan’s intimate whisky bars, Whisky Den is an understated warm-lit retreat where the focus is on the drink. Specialising in Australian craft whisky, niche Scotch, and independent bottlings, the bar offers a relaxed, no-fuss drinking experience. For those looking to escape Melbourne’s bustling city streets, Whisky Den delivers an expertly curated whisky selection in a welcoming, nook setting.