Speakeasies, bacon whisky flights, cocktails, distilleries and degustations. Enjoy all of this and more at Australia’s best whisky bars!
Whisky. It’s the universal liquid that is best served neat, on the rocks, shaken up in a cocktail, up in flames or any other way that you’d prefer.
And, with that, it comes to no surprise that Australia is home to some of the finest whisky establishments in the world. All catering to different tastes and needs, here you’ll find everything from New Orleans inspired joints, hidden speakeasies, distilleries, ex-opium houses and more.
So, to make all of your drams come true, we’ve put together a list of the best whisky bars around Australia of 2024. Happy drinking!
The Best Whisky Bars in Sydney:
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The Doss House
If you’re looking for a whisky bar in Sydney, underground oasis, The Doss House, is a top selection. Taking Sydney by storm since its inception, The Doss House takes pride in its rich history that’s encased within their iconic stonewalls. Despite its infamous past as it was previously owned by an opium dealer and later transforming into a boarding house, today The Doss House is a go-to for signature cocktails and their reputable collection of whisky sourced from around the world.
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NOLA Smokehouse and Bar
Home to Australia’s Most Expensive Whisky Flight, it makes perfect sense why NOLA Smokehouse and Bar would also be featured on this list of the best whisky bars in Sydney. Providing the best of both worlds, NOLA has a mighty collection of over 500 whiskies that are mainly sourced from America. Taking pride in their limited-edition bottles that are added onto their shelves each week, NOLA also whisks together a soulful food menu that draws inspiration from New Orleans.
The Best Whisky Bars in Melbourne:
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Eau De Vie
Located in Melbourne’s CBD, Eau De Vie – translating to ‘brand’ or ‘spirits’ with its meaning deriving from the expression ‘water of life’ – certainly fits the description. At first glance, this bar seems like a typical cocktail praising venue. However, behind a bookcase in a private room, Eau De Vie tucks away their extensive whisky collection. Transporting guests back in time, this 1920s bar features seductive decor, delightful food options and, of course, their world-renowned cocktails. With whisky masterclasses, fantastic bar staff, it’s no wonder why they’ve made our list as one of the best whisky bars in Melbourne.
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Whisky and Alement
Since its opening in 2010, Whisky and Alement in Melbourne has earnt a name for themselves, and for a good reason. With a colossal collection of whisky – over 1000 to be exact – there isn’t a word big enough to describe this whisky bar. Of course, for those who prefer something other than a dram, Whisky and Alement also has an impressive craft beer menu with brews from local and international breweries. One of the best whisky bars in Australia, we recommend you round up your mates and head on over for a visit filled with impressive cocktails and an overall good time!
The Best Whisky Bars in Hobart:
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Hellyers Road Distillery
On this list of the best whisky bars in Australia we just had to feature a distillery. And the first that came to mind is Hellyers Road Distillery. Although they are technically not located in Hobart, this Burnie based venue is still worth the mention. Not only are they Australia’s largest boutique distillery, but they are 100% Tasmanian owned and operated. Here you can partake in a distillery tour to learn how the legends create their fine single malt whisky as well as pouring and wax sealing their very own bottle. With tasting and an amazing team, this whisky bar is one to visit in 2024!
Photographed by Rosie Hastie.
Image supplied via Tourism Tasmania.
Society Salamanca
Also making our list as one of the Best Gin Bars in Australia, Society Salamanca always seems to make headlines and for good reason. Sourcing whisky from around the world as well as Tasmanian and wider Australian distillers, their range includes an exciting combination of new and old tipples. With a team that are more like whisky connoisseurs, Society Salamanca makes for the perfect haven for a dram, tasting flights, live music and deliciously good cocktails.
Dreaming of another dram? Take a sip from this selection of the Top Whisky Bars in Hobart.
The Best Whisky Bars in Adelaide:
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The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Books and booze? In a world where these two things aren’t usually paired together, at The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange they go hand in hand. Hanging off Gresham Street, this quirky venue follows the saying ‘drink between the lines’ that’s brought to life with crafty cocktails. Encapsulating the best of both worlds, this book exchange cross European style bar features everything from a lengthy list of international spirits to classic literary reads.
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Hains & Co
Hains & Co are here to lift your spirits with spirits – something which they’re very good at doing, especially when it comes to gin, rum and whisky. But, it’s their curation of whisky that has landed them top-rated spots since their inception. The team at Hains & Co scour the four corners of the globe for the best whisky, from Launceston to London and everywhere in between. With friendly staff and a great cocktail list, what more could you want?
The Best Whisky Bars in Perth:
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Alabama Song
Welcome to Alabama Song in Northbridge! This whisky bar in Perth is, weirdly enough, possibly the closest thing us Aussies will ever get to an authentic American bar. Think neon signs, burgers, southern fried chicken, live music and a bullhead overlooking the bar, this establishment is our go-to come the weekend. Just as their website states, “a little bit honky-tonk and a whole lotta country.” One of the best whisky bars in Australia!
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Varnish on King
One of the Best Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Perth, sitting beneath the bustling King Street in Perth’s CBD is Varnish on King. This whisky bar is packed to the brim with concoctions that usually only make our wildest dreams. On top of their impressive whisky, beer and cocktail selection, Varnish on King has also been crowned as the home to some of the best and most creative flights in Australia. How does a Whiskey Bacon Flight where four styles of grilled bacon are matched with four types of whisky?
The Best Whisky Bars in Brisbane:
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Circa 27 Whiskey & Cocktail Bar
Previously known as the Naked Whisky Bar, after a slight revamp, Morrison Hotel is delighted to reintroduce their very own designated whisky oasis: Circa 27 Whiskey & Cocktail Bar. Named after the year in which the venue was built, this inner city drinking spot is the home to 20th century inspired cocktails, more than 250 whiskies and, their famed library-styled bar. With 22 beers on tap and 50 wines to woo you over, there’s plenty to sip through at this Brisbane bar.
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The Gresham Bar
This whisky bar in Brisbane is more than just a friendly watering hole. It’s a piece of history. Previously the Queensland National Bank, The Gresham Bar that hangs off Queen Street interestingly has the only Heritage Bar License in all of Queensland. With limestone-lined walls, The Gresham is stocked to the brim with locally and internationally sourced beers, an impressive range of whiskies and, of course, great bartenders who know how to shake up a tippled traditional cocktail. You’ll feel robbed if you don’t visit them!
Have a fling with gin at Australia’s Best Gin Bars! Or say salud with a side of salt at these Top Tequila Bars around Australia!
