We’ve got chocolate-infused whiskey debuting in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, folks getting schooled in scotch in Manhattan, and a bourbon and whiskey dive bar in Chicago rolling with specials all week.
Kings County Distillery’s Colin Spoelman and David Haskell finally release their much-anticipated cocoa-infused whiskey in Brooklyn.
NEW YORK
The Spirit School at Brandy Library, Tribeca. Made for grown-ups only, this refined spot doesn’t seek to become the next trendy place to see-and-be-seen. Make reservations prior to your visit, whether it’s just to enjoy a drink amidst what’s an actual library of brown spirits or to attend a class on scotch, bourbon, cognac, or brandy, and be sure to look smart. Classes are priced at $90 per person and come with light hors d’ouevres; the Rare and Precious Scotch class on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. is $125 per person. 25 North Moore Street, Manhattan | 212.226.5545 | brandylibrary.com
Chocolate-infused whiskey debuts at Kings County Distillery, Williamsburg. Yup, New York City’s first distillery since Prohibition is doing it again; this time, co-owners Colin Spoelman and David Haskell are partnering with neighboring Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory, using its ground chocolate husks to infuse their small-batch whiskey. A year after beginning the aging and infusing process, the first perfected bottles are out on limited release. With a dark, cloudy brown color and a deep, slightly bitter cocoa taste (not at all sweet), this whiskey will shine either in cocktails, in coffee, or neat. Order your bottle (about $20 each) from Astor Wines, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, or Heights Chateau.
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CHICAGO
Authentic Scottish food and flights of whiskey fancy at Duke of Perth, Lakeview. This authentic Scottish pub serves up hearty, scotch-and-beer worthy food meant to fill your belly and clog your arteries (eventually, though you may not care once you’ve got a spoonful of their mac-and-cheese fritters in your mouth). With its down-to-earth, cozy atmosphere, animal heads on the walls, and a vast menu of beers–Innis & Gunn scotch-aged ale, anyone?–to accompany the 75-deep selection of single malts, options won’t be lacking. Try out “The Full Monty”, a tasting flight priced at $31, to go with their 2-for-1 Monday entree special or their all-you-can-eat Wednesdays and Fridays. 2913 Clark Street, Lakeview | 773.477.1741 | dukeofperth.com
$2 and $3 Whiskey and Bourbon Specials at Delilah’s, Lincoln Park. Who says knowing your spirits has to be an upscale thing? In this dive-y, punk-fueled bar, there’s no pretense, but tons of expertise. With owner Mike Miller hosting monthly tastings, whiskey and bourbon lovers can relax and enjoy their brown spirits minus the formalities. This week, specials reign supreme, with $2 servings of Jim Beam on Monday, Evan Williams bourbon on Tuesday, Old Crow Reserve Bourbon on Wednesday, and $3 Bushmills, Maker’s Mark, and Four Roses for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 2771 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago | 773.472.2771 | delilahschicago.com