Bourbon destinations in or around NYC

[StraightNoChaser]

Folks,

I am traveling to NYC for my birthday. Staying in Brooklyn from August 11-15th and I'm wondering if anyone can help me locate the following:

1. Liquor stores to check out in NYC

2. Bars that have amazing bourbon selection

3. SBers that want to meet for a drink in or near 1 or 2

[TomH]

I can only help on the first one.

I would definitely check out Park Ave Liquors (on Madison Ave near Grand Central Station). The have an excellent selection along with great private bottlings (IMHO they are a little pricey on the private bottlings).

I haven't been there, by I understand Astor Wine and Spirits is also a good place (I met one of their folks at NYC WhiskyFest last year and he seemed very knowledgeable).

I don't know your transportation status, but if you have a car Bottle Bargains in Long Island while having a limited selection of whisk(e)y does have some great values. Definitely check their web site to see if they have anything you want before making the drive.

Tom

[doubleblank]

Blue Smoke BBQ/Jazz Standard on 27th Street has decent food and a nice bourbon cocktail list. And, most importantly, an 18yo "Blue Smoke" bottling done by the Van Winkles. Only place to drink it is there and at a few SB'ers homes.

Randy

[mberkow]

If you are staying in Brooklyn you should check out Char 4. They have a pretty good bourbon selection and I understand the food is pretty good.

Also not sure where you coming from but be aware that pricing for whiskey is higher in Manhattan. You should still check out Park Ave and Astor as they have larger selections.

Lastly if you fancy a day trip you could checkout Tuttilletown.

[Gillman]

Char 4 for sure, also the Gingerman beer bar has a very nice bourbon and rye selection: it's not a specialty whiskey place but it has a good cut of what's good today - so, useful if you like a fine craft or imported beer too. On 36th between Madison and Fifth Ave.

In Grand Central Terminal is the Campbell Apartment for great cocktails and whiskey in a period atmosphere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campbell_Apartment

For retailers, in addition to what Tom mentioned, Broadway Wines and Spirits is excellent and has the best pricing I've seen, it's at 4th street and Broadway, not far from Astor's.

Gary

[angler82]

Char 4 - Another vote for this bar, especially if you're in Brooklyn. Huge list, decent prices, and an excellent brunch menu. They have "Early Bourbon" happy hour special- check out their site or facebook page for details. Heres their menu- http://charno4.com/menu/wine-and-whiskey/

Death and Company - East Village. Amazing cocktail bar with a solid whiskey selection. Get there early (6-6:30) as they have a small space and you need to be seated. They have some different things on their menu like Classic Cask.

I've heard Angel's Share and Brandy Library are also both very good but haven't checked them out yet.

[StraightNoChaser]

Blue Smoke BBQ/Jazz Standard on 27th Street has decent food and a nice bourbon cocktail list. And, most importantly, an 18yo "Blue Smoke" bottling done by the Van Winkles. Only place to drink it is there and at a few SB'ers homes.

Randy

[StraightNoChaser]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. Looks like Char 4 is a definite destination

[StraightBoston]

Too bad LeNell's is no longer around...

[camduncan]

Can you tell me more about this Blue Smoke you speak of? :bigeyes:

Sadly we didn't get there on our visit to NYC, so I can't offer any personal experiences. Here's a link to their web site:

http://www.bluesmoke.com/blue/index.html

[sailor22]

I'll second the Brandy Library and add Keen's Chop House for great steaks with a decent Bourbon selection and a great scotch selection. They make a great Manhattan also.

[SmoothAmbler]

I went to the Brandy Library on Thursday night and had a 14YO Thomas Handy Barrel Proof Rye (134.8 proof), I think. It was late in the evening.

It's a great place that has whiskies from all over, including a good selection of craft guys.

[Happyhour24x7]

Had probably the best old fashioned I've ever had at a little place is East Village called Black Market- not a huge selection, but a great recipe. There was a little basement bar nearby with probably 50-60 bottles, including several Pappys and similar. I'll try to get the name from the friend who took me there. For what it's worth, East Village was a ton of fun if you are intimidated by the subculture crowd- lots of people watching and tons of little hole in the wall bars and restaurants.

[Happyhour24x7]

Had probably the best old fashioned I've ever had at a little place is East Village called Black Market- not a huge selection, but a great recipe. There was a little basement bar nearby with probably 50-60 bottles, including several Pappys and similar. I'll try to get the name from the friend who took me there. For what it's worth, East Village was a ton of fun if you are not intimidated by the subculture crowd- lots of people watching and tons of little hole in the wall bars and restaurants.

[StraightNoChaser]

Checking out the Brandy Library menu... and wow quite the selection! Unfortunately also priced a bit high...

[Happyhour24x7]

the place in East Village was called Idle Hands. I thought prices were pretty reasonable.

[StraightNoChaser]

the place in East Village was called Idle Hands. I thought prices were pretty reasonable.

[StraightNoChaser]

Just made a reservation at the Brandy Library, cant wait to check it out! Think Char No 4 for a good lunch tomorrow

[StraightNoChaser]

Brandy Library, Blue Smoke and Char No 4 were all absolutely fantastic, thanks for the recommendations.

Spent two whole days at Char No 4 bullshitting with the staff about whiskey. Probably the most fun I had the entire trip was in that bar. They were all legitimately impressed at my collection and my knowledge. I took them a few ounces (what I could fit in a flask) of OCPR because they had all never heard of it.

I think I tried 30 new American whiskeys while I was out there... going to have to rebuild the list from sloppy memories when I have a second.

Picked up a bottle of Vintage Rye 21 and managed to get it back in one piece in my suitcase.

[CADMixes]

the place in East Village was called Idle Hands. I thought prices were pretty reasonable.

I ended up in Idle Hands last weekend and thought it was fantastic. Got a pour of VWFRR to start and then a pour of a single barrel Evan Williams that seems to have been bottled exclusively for them. The bartender took a couple bucks off the price of that one since they couldn't track down either of my other two choices (Pure Kentucky and Old Forester Signature) on a very chaotic back bar.

The vibe is anything but contemplative but it's a great place to drink some bourbon in a fun atmosphere.