Whiskey - by Theresa Faulkner
Downtown Durham is home to a unique bar offering whiskies by the glass from out of the state and as far away as Japan. The owners, Scott Richie and Rhys Botica, wanted to open a place where they could serve “as much whiskey as they could get their hands on.” In order to accomplish this task, they import a third of their whiskies not normally available in North Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Durham on Main Street, this bar is set apart by an original tin ceiling and pre-prohibition décor. The outside area of the Whiskey is unassuming; with its casual, outdoor furniture belying the more upscale environment within and giving the impression one may be in Manhattan instead of Durham, North Carolina. The furnishings inside are upscale, with leather chairs and candlelight -- a perfect place to take a date or even to entertain business clients. Relaxation and quiet conversation come easily under the subdued ambiance.
Botica and Richie opened Whiskey as a private cigar club in June 2009. It is one of the few exclusionary places where smoking is allowed due to North Carolina’s “no-smoking” law enacted January 2, 2010. The minimum age to enter Whisky is 23, two years older than the minimum drinking age. A small membership fee is assessed, as well as a dress code to enter. They are open every evening and have live Jazz on Thursday nights.
In addition to the many whiskies, their website lists specialty cocktails and liqueurs, wines and 16 North Carolina brewed beers on tap. Drinks tend to be a bit on the high side, but that is to be expected due to the upscale environment and liquor choices.
Please visit http://www.whiskeydurham.com for more information.
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