With more than a thousand whiskies on an ever-changing list, and inspired whisky-powered cocktails, this is a fetching bar for the whisky-curious and aficionados alike.
A novice in drinking whisky might find the idea of a bar specialising in the stuff to the tune of more than a thousand different versions intimidating. But that’s the polar opposite of how you’ll feel thanks to the very welcoming folks at Whisky and Alement. This is certainly a specialty bar, but it’s no snooty gatekeeper to the high art of whisky. It’s more like an enthusiastic cheerleader, wanting to share its passion for and knowledge of the great variety and versatility of whisky with as many people as possible. Whether you’re a super-fan of single-malt whisky from the Scottish Lowlands or interested in seeing how whisky is interpreted in cocktail form, Whisky and Alement will give you what you need.
For those who want to get educated, there’s ample opportunity for that, either by chatting with the bartenders, who can guide you through the 12-page list, or by attending one of the well-attended whisky classes that offer sessions in everything from the basics through to classes on the history of Irish and American whiskies. The staff are all well versed and skilled at reading your level of expertise. So whether you’re here for a tour of what’s happening with whisky across the world – the list contains examples from Japan, India, Israel, Taiwan and Australia alongside larger American, Irish and Scottish ranges – or just to enjoy spending time in a comfortable, atmospheric and well-run bar, Whisky and Alement should be on your Melbourne radar.
Imagine what a bar specialising in whisky might look like and you’ll most likely come up with something pretty close to Whisky and Alement. It’s a long, narrow, moodily lit space behind an unassuming entrance, with dark-timber panelling, comfortable upholstered bar stools and walls decked out with framed black and white photos and backlit cabinets displaying bottles of whisky both rare and familiar. The main bar itself is a dark-timber thing of beauty that’s hemmed in on all sides – in the best possible way – with hundreds of bottles of whisky from all across the globe. It’s cosy and familiar, but it also feels confident and exciting, providing the opportunity to drink things that you’d otherwise have to get on a plane to try. The glassware is more correct than fancy, keeping all the focus on the quality of what’s being poured. And while it’s mostly about the whisky, other spirits and very good sherries are also on the list, with as much attention paid to quality as with the whisky.
Cocktails are not treated like second-class citizens either – the bar’s version of an Old Fashioned, where the bartenders choose a whisky to suit your taste, is almost obligatory. The mood overall is sophisticated but also laid-back, casual and welcoming – probably just how you imagined (or hoped) your ideal whisky bar would be.
