A Bourbon At?is sponsored by our friends at Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Basil Hayden’s is handcrafted, light-bodied and aged longer with twice as much rye to produce an incredibly approachable, sophisticated and luxurious bourbon. It’s spicy. Unexpected. And full of potential. Just like your plans tonight.
Unassuming in both its appearance and vibe, the Whiskey Ward at first glance looks like any other dive bar on Lower East Side. However, there is one main difference: the Whiskey Ward is passionate about their brown spirits, especially bourbon. Their list is extensive and interesting, featuring all of your old favorites sprinkled with a few unfamiliar small batch bourbons.
Generous with the pour, the bartenders at Whiskey Ward are very knowledgeable and are eager to help guide you through your selection. They even offer flights of bourbon so you can try a few different ones all at once.
There is a jukebox that looks much older than the music that comes out of it, but you won’t have any trouble finding something you enjoy. On a recent visit, we heard the sounds of The Cure, Jay–Z, and Butthole Surfers. There is also a pool table in back.
The Whiskey Ward is great place to drink with friends but is also the type of bar where you could go by yourself and not feel out of place. It’s a mellow place, but it has all the elements necessary in case you really want to get after it.
What we enjoyed most about the Whiskey Ward was that it had a certain everywhereness about it. You could easily be in the midwest or down south, yet nothing about it feels contrived. Like the City itself, the Whiskey Ward is what you make of it.
