Cocktails on a bench with nitro smoke pouring out of them

The ultimate whisky guide to Melbourne

From the Scottish Highlands to prohibition era Manhattan, Melbourne’s a tasting paddle for a whole world of whisky. Here’s where to wet your whistle.

Beneath Driver Lane

Ask for something high-end at Beneath Driver Lane, and you’ll be brought to the Benromach Whisky Vault. This hidden nook holds the top end of their whisky range, with some drops clocking in at over $100 a nip. Or try an ume sour from the main bar for a taste of Japan. The mix of Suntory Toki, umeshu, raspberry and walnut bitters is fruity perfection.

A small bar with bottles of whisky on the walls.
Beneath Driver Lane's whisky vault

Whisky and Alement

If you thought you were a whisky connoisseur before, wait until you visit Whisky and Alement. An ever-changing menu of over 1000 whiskies is on offer, from classics to some of the rarest varieties in the world.

Eau de Vie

Head down Malthouse Lane and fall into the 1920s prohibition-era vibe of Eau de Vie. Order the famous Smoky Rob Roy and witness nitro smoke, test tubes and cigar-infused liquor combine to make the perfect whisky concoction.

Cocktails on a bench with nitro smoke pouring out of them.
The Smokey Rob Roy at Eau de Vie

Boilermaker House

If you love whisky, cheese and charcuterie, Boilermaker House is your new best friend. With over 900 whiskies on offer, the choice can be overwhelming. Get the bartender to pair a craft beer and whisky from their range, and you’ll be an expert in no time.

A bartender mixing a drink.
Boilermaker House

Whisky den

This tiny drinking den might be small, but it houses an encyclopaedic range. The walls are lined with everything from silky Japanese ambers to peaty Scottish malts. Listen in as the expert team behind the bar pour perfect highballs while pondering the merits of Highland vs Speyside.

1806

Named after the year ‘cocktail’ first appeared in print, 1806’s prohibition-era spot is a Melbourne classic. With over 110 whiskies on their dedicated menu, there’s a fiery drop here to please everyone. Including drinks that they literally set on fire.

Bar Clara

Hidden underneath Chinatown, Bar Clara is a gorgeous basement bar with an expertly curated cocktail list. Skip dessert and order the banoffee pie cocktail, made with clarified banana whisky. Topped with toasted meringue for extra decadence.

Please drink responsibly.

More whisky spots in Melbourne

Waterslide Bar

A stylish cocktail and whisky bar looking out to the Yarra River.

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Saving Grace

Local beer, international whisky, classic cocktails and satisfying burgers until late.

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Summer's Garden Bar

Japanese-inspired bar in North Melbourne with a great selection of whisky and sake.

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Last updated on Wed 28 Jul 2021

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