For some, whisky starts and ends within the confines of the Scottish border. For others it hops across the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle. For the broader-minded it encompasses the output of Uncle Sam; and for the most globally accepting it even takes in the Land of the Rising Sun.
In short, "whisky" is a many splendid - and subjective - thing.
So we endeavour to point you in the direction of London's finest emporiums of whisky, whatever your taste...
It can be a stress to find the best whisky all under one roof, which is why we’re so fond of the Connaught Bar. What’s more, they offer tastings. Choose between the likes of vintage Dalmore Castle Leod, Woodford Reserve Aged Cask and Johnnie Walker Platinum, which come accompanied by bespoke handmade chocolates to enhance the personality of the whiskies.
The Britannia might resemble the quintessential British pub on the outside but there’s much more to it than that. If you stumbled on this peculiarly located pub in Southwark the first thing that would surprise you would be its whisky selection. With over 50 single malts on offer, the range is slightly incongruous, but thoroughly brilliant for any whisky enthusiast.
The Lexington eschews single malts and blends in favour of Kentucky-Tennessee tipples like Knob Creek, Jim Beam and of course, Jack Daniels. For a music bar in Angel, the Lexington has an almighty bourbon selection, which has something to do with the explicit American retro theme running through it. Sip on enough sweet Wild Turkey’s and you might be tempted upstairs to the club for some funky chicken.
Albannach is the seller of some of the finest whiskies available in London with an interior to match the class of tipples on offer. This is the place to find the best Scottish whisky from Auchentoshan to the Glenmorangie Astar, Glenury Royal to Bruichladdich. In fact, if you’re a fan it’s more like finding a Scottish whisky that the Albannach doesn’t have. For range and appearance there are few better places to sample the most complex of drinks in London.
Not all whisky bars have to replicate Gatsby-esque sequences; there are those that fall on the seedier side of the spectrum. Slim Jim’s Liquor Bar is one of these places. Doing its best to remind you of somewhere you might have seen Kurt Russell wrap a pool cue over some goon’s back, it is without a doubt one of London’s best whisky bars. It focuses on a lot of bourbons and ryes so if you’re a fan of the sweeter side you’re in luck. The music at this Angel outpost is also thoroughly rocker.
The Bethnal Green pub is getting reputation for its selection of beers and ales but it also keeps a large range of whisky and bourbon behind the bar. Even more interestingly, you can find a secret cocktail bar in the basement below where bartenders will mix to your content.
Canary Wharf might not be the most hip place to travel to for a drink but Boisdale happens to be an internationally recognized, world-class whisky bar, which should persuade most of the benefits to paying it a visit. Described as owning a “12 metre long glowing amber wall of liquid gold” Boisdale is not to be missed when looking for the best whisky bars in London. From Chieftans to Johnnie Walker Gold Label, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy among the thousand or so bottles on offer.
Located in the confines of the impressive St Pancras Station, the Grand Whisky Bar matches its location with its selection of single malts. Split geographically, you can tour the world in a tasting with bottles from Scotland to Ireland, Japan to the USA. And even if you’re not in the know the staff will guide you.
If you want your whisky served in a suitably suave situation that will match the price you’re paying for aged single malt, then the Library Bar at The Lanesborough Hotel is the place. Like something straight out of a country manor, the bar is a great place to sip on one of the many rare (and expensive) whiskies that are stocked.