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Three of Jack Rose’s walls lined with bottles of whiskey, with wooden tables in the center. — Jack Rose in D.C.

D.C.’s Essential Whiskey Bars

Where to drink smoky scotch, spicy rye, and smooth bourbon

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Updated Nov 1, 2019, 3:08pm EDT

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Jack Rose in D.C.

| Jack Rose [official site]

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Updated Nov 1, 2019, 3:08pm EDT

To say D.C. is a whiskey town would be an understatement. Even the most unassuming bars tend to offer at least a middling selection of bourbon and rye, while others full-on specialize in categories like Irish whiskey or imported scotch. This map plots out the truly essential destinations for whiskey lovers.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

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Smoke & Barrel

Drinkers can order barbecue with a side of bourbon at this Adams Morgan restaurant. There’s also rye, scotch, and a short list of whiskey cocktails. There are some interesting pours highlighted on the extensive whiskey list including Willet Family Estate Bottlings and selections from the Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project.

2471 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Smoke and Barrel - DC (@beerbbqbourbon) on Jun 5, 2019 at 4:59pm PDT

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Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Jack Rose is not just the top whiskey destination in D.C. — it’s one of the best in the country. Bottles and bottles of rare varieties line the walls of the first floor of this Adam Morgan triple threat (it’s no slouch in the cocktail or beer department, either). Total number of whiskeys from which to choose? 2,700 at last count. This month, anticipated sister spot Imperial opens down the street.

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

The wall of whiskey at Adams Morgan, with bottles and bottles stacked in rows behind the bar — Adams Morgan bar Jack Rose boasts an extensive collection of whiskey.

Also featured in:

Boundary Stone

Bloomingdale watering hole Boundary Stone boasts a diverse selection of whiskeys including bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish whiskey, and Japanese varieties. The two-page list has a particularly deep selection of bourbons.

Open in Google Maps

116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Chicken + Whiskey

This speakeasy of sorts is located in the back of a hybrid Latin American eatery. Chicken + Whiskey’s 99-bottle list is well-edited and interesting, and diners are encouraged to pick their variety of choice and have it made into a classic cocktail as well. Bonus: drinkers can get Suntory highballs during happy hour for $7.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Crowds seated at the bar, including a man with a backwards red hat in the foreground. — The back bar at Chicken + Whiskey.

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Black Whiskey

More than 300 whiskies are available at this lively Logan Circle bar. The list emphasizes variety, including Taiwan’s KaVaLan, several Japanese whiskies and the Indian standby Amrut. Name a Pappy, and Black Whiskey aims to have it in stock. Small-batch American productions are a particular focus.

Open in Google Maps

1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Three rows of wooden shelving, all containing bottles of whiskey — Black Whiskey’s bar

The Whiskey Room

The Whiskey Room above Rí Rá in Georgetown has one of the largest selections of Irish whiskey around. Find more than 70 Irish options alone, such as a $295 Knappogue Castle 1951, or 16 options from distillery Cooley.

Open in Google Maps

3125 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

The dimly lit whiskey lair in Georgetown. — The Whiskey Room at Ri Ra in Georgetown.

Bourbon Steak

Sip whiskey in a luxurious atmosphere at this Georgetown hotel’s lounge. Bourbon is obviously the focus (more than 60 of these are available), but there’s plenty of Asian whiskey and a rare collection of scotches behind the shiny marble bar. Just ask for the bar’s drink bible.

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BOURBON STEAK DC (@bourbonsteakdc) on Jul 13, 2018 at 2:40pm PDT

Also featured in:

The Dignitary

If one were to imagine a stereotypical whiskey bar, it would probably look something like the Dignitary — a hotel bar decorated with leather chairs, warm colors, and wood and brick accents. Scotch whisky and bourbon are both a major focus here. The bar hosts semi-regular whiskey events and offers flights as well.

901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A bottle of whiskey with a glass next to it — The Dignitary at the Marriott Marquis.

Also featured in:

Crimson Whiskey Bar

This basement whiskey bar inside the Pod Hotel houses about 150 varieties of bourbon.

Open in Google Maps

627 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

Got whiskey? We sure do. In fact, we've got hundreds in our collection at the Whiskey Bar. Located downstairs from first level Diner, we've got happy hour weekdays + Sunday from 5 - 7pm. Come drink with us this week! @mish.kua

A post shared by Crimson Diner + Whiskey bar (@whiskeydiner) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:49pm PDT

Also featured in:

Where to Watch Super Bowl LIV in D.C.

The Next Whisky Bar

This bar inside the refurbished Watergate Hotel could probably coast by on style points alone, thanks to a flashy design involving 2,500 illuminated bottles. But look beyond the surface and find a deep and diverse whiskey list (though it’s mostly geared towards high rollers). The bar also offer flights and pairings called “whiskey siblings” which showcase similar flavors.

Open in Google Maps

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Red plush seating next to a backlit angular wall of whiskey — The Next Whisky Bar at The Watergate Hotel

Kelly's Irish Times

This Capitol Hill institution decided several years ago to devote an entire back bar to whiskey (including Irish offerings, of course) and put more than 100 bottles on the menu. One nice touch: the bar offers private whiskey tastings.

Open in Google Maps

14 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The front entrance of Kelly’s Irish Times, complete with outdoor seating and a green awning. — Kelly’s Irish Times

Barrel

Find more than 200 varieties listed on the two-page “brown water” menu at this Capitol Hill mainstay. Bourbon may be the focus, but Irish, Japanese, and even Taiwanese whiskies are also featured.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

It's Fall and #NationalChocolateDay. Start the week off with our barrel-aged Maple Old Fashioned | old overholt bonded, maple syrup, ango & chocolate bitters! . . . #dcdrinks #dccocktails #craftcocktails #maple #mapleoldfashioned #oldfashioned #chocolate #chocolatebitters #oldoverholt #whiskey #barrelaged #barrelagedoldfashioned #capitolhill #easternmarket #capitolhilldc #easternmarketdc #MondayMotivation #fallcocktails #fallcocktail #eatdrinkdc #liqpic #liquor #beautifulbooze #imbibe #drinkthedistrict #drinkdc #cocktail #cocktails #mondayfunday

A post shared by Barrel (@barreldc) on Oct 28, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT

Also featured in:

MacMillan Whisky Room

This relatively new addition to Merrifield’s Mosaic District has been drawing in drinkers for whiskey flights and well-made classic whiskey cocktails like the Penicillin. Hundreds of whiskeys are listed in the bar’s big book of spirits.

2920 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The MacMillan Whisky Room (@macmillanwhisky) on Oct 3, 2019 at 9:54am PDT

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink Around Merrifield

Union Street Public House (1986)

A bar within a bar called 1986 is the redesigned back room in Union Street Public House. It has a group of about 100 whiskeys, and offers tastings and cocktails.

121 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cinder BBQ

Petworth’s new barbecue joint pairs its meaty menu with with a global selection of about 100 different whiskeys from its square central bar. Special bourbon pours hail from Kentucky-based Willett distillery. A chalkboard spells out rare and limited releases.

800 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Visit Website

Cinder barbecue cauliflower — Cinder BBQ

Also featured in:

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Smoke & Barrel

2471 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Drinkers can order barbecue with a side of bourbon at this Adams Morgan restaurant. There’s also rye, scotch, and a short list of whiskey cocktails. There are some interesting pours highlighted on the extensive whiskey list including Willet Family Estate Bottlings and selections from the Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project.

2471 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Smoke and Barrel - DC (@beerbbqbourbon) on Jun 5, 2019 at 4:59pm PDT

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Jack Rose is not just the top whiskey destination in D.C. — it’s one of the best in the country. Bottles and bottles of rare varieties line the walls of the first floor of this Adam Morgan triple threat (it’s no slouch in the cocktail or beer department, either). Total number of whiskeys from which to choose? 2,700 at last count. This month, anticipated sister spot Imperial opens down the street.

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

The wall of whiskey at Adams Morgan, with bottles and bottles stacked in rows behind the bar — Adams Morgan bar Jack Rose boasts an extensive collection of whiskey.

Boundary Stone

116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Bloomingdale watering hole Boundary Stone boasts a diverse selection of whiskeys including bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish whiskey, and Japanese varieties. The two-page list has a particularly deep selection of bourbons.

Open in Google Maps

116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Chicken + Whiskey

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This speakeasy of sorts is located in the back of a hybrid Latin American eatery. Chicken + Whiskey’s 99-bottle list is well-edited and interesting, and diners are encouraged to pick their variety of choice and have it made into a classic cocktail as well. Bonus: drinkers can get Suntory highballs during happy hour for $7.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Crowds seated at the bar, including a man with a backwards red hat in the foreground. — The back bar at Chicken + Whiskey.

Black Whiskey

1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

More than 300 whiskies are available at this lively Logan Circle bar. The list emphasizes variety, including Taiwan’s KaVaLan, several Japanese whiskies and the Indian standby Amrut. Name a Pappy, and Black Whiskey aims to have it in stock. Small-batch American productions are a particular focus.

Open in Google Maps

1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Three rows of wooden shelving, all containing bottles of whiskey — Black Whiskey’s bar

The Whiskey Room

3125 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Whiskey Room above Rí Rá in Georgetown has one of the largest selections of Irish whiskey around. Find more than 70 Irish options alone, such as a $295 Knappogue Castle 1951, or 16 options from distillery Cooley.

Open in Google Maps

3125 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

The dimly lit whiskey lair in Georgetown. — The Whiskey Room at Ri Ra in Georgetown.

Bourbon Steak

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Sip whiskey in a luxurious atmosphere at this Georgetown hotel’s lounge. Bourbon is obviously the focus (more than 60 of these are available), but there’s plenty of Asian whiskey and a rare collection of scotches behind the shiny marble bar. Just ask for the bar’s drink bible.

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BOURBON STEAK DC (@bourbonsteakdc) on Jul 13, 2018 at 2:40pm PDT

The Dignitary

901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

If one were to imagine a stereotypical whiskey bar, it would probably look something like the Dignitary — a hotel bar decorated with leather chairs, warm colors, and wood and brick accents. Scotch whisky and bourbon are both a major focus here. The bar hosts semi-regular whiskey events and offers flights as well.

901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A bottle of whiskey with a glass next to it — The Dignitary at the Marriott Marquis.

Crimson Whiskey Bar

627 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005

This basement whiskey bar inside the Pod Hotel houses about 150 varieties of bourbon.

Open in Google Maps

627 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

Got whiskey? We sure do. In fact, we've got hundreds in our collection at the Whiskey Bar. Located downstairs from first level Diner, we've got happy hour weekdays + Sunday from 5 - 7pm. Come drink with us this week! @mish.kua

A post shared by Crimson Diner + Whiskey bar (@whiskeydiner) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:49pm PDT

The Next Whisky Bar

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

This bar inside the refurbished Watergate Hotel could probably coast by on style points alone, thanks to a flashy design involving 2,500 illuminated bottles. But look beyond the surface and find a deep and diverse whiskey list (though it’s mostly geared towards high rollers). The bar also offer flights and pairings called “whiskey siblings” which showcase similar flavors.

Open in Google Maps

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Red plush seating next to a backlit angular wall of whiskey — The Next Whisky Bar at The Watergate Hotel

Kelly's Irish Times

14 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This Capitol Hill institution decided several years ago to devote an entire back bar to whiskey (including Irish offerings, of course) and put more than 100 bottles on the menu. One nice touch: the bar offers private whiskey tastings.

Open in Google Maps

14 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The front entrance of Kelly’s Irish Times, complete with outdoor seating and a green awning. — Kelly’s Irish Times

Barrel

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Find more than 200 varieties listed on the two-page “brown water” menu at this Capitol Hill mainstay. Bourbon may be the focus, but Irish, Japanese, and even Taiwanese whiskies are also featured.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

It's Fall and #NationalChocolateDay. Start the week off with our barrel-aged Maple Old Fashioned | old overholt bonded, maple syrup, ango & chocolate bitters! . . . #dcdrinks #dccocktails #craftcocktails #maple #mapleoldfashioned #oldfashioned #chocolate #chocolatebitters #oldoverholt #whiskey #barrelaged #barrelagedoldfashioned #capitolhill #easternmarket #capitolhilldc #easternmarketdc #MondayMotivation #fallcocktails #fallcocktail #eatdrinkdc #liqpic #liquor #beautifulbooze #imbibe #drinkthedistrict #drinkdc #cocktail #cocktails #mondayfunday

A post shared by Barrel (@barreldc) on Oct 28, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031

This relatively new addition to Merrifield’s Mosaic District has been drawing in drinkers for whiskey flights and well-made classic whiskey cocktails like the Penicillin. Hundreds of whiskeys are listed in the bar’s big book of spirits.

2920 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The MacMillan Whisky Room (@macmillanwhisky) on Oct 3, 2019 at 9:54am PDT

Union Street Public House (1986)

121 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

A bar within a bar called 1986 is the redesigned back room in Union Street Public House. It has a group of about 100 whiskeys, and offers tastings and cocktails.

121 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Cinder BBQ

800 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Petworth’s new barbecue joint pairs its meaty menu with with a global selection of about 100 different whiskeys from its square central bar. Special bourbon pours hail from Kentucky-based Willett distillery. A chalkboard spells out rare and limited releases.

800 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Visit Website

Cinder barbecue cauliflower — Cinder BBQ

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