Canberra is pretty awesome. We all know about the awards we recently won for our coffee, but not as many people know about the up-and-coming cocktail bars taking the Canberra nightlife scene by storm. New places are opening up so, as winter sets in, don’t stay at home and watching Buffy. The best place to be in a heated whisky bar sipping on an expertly-crafted beverage and spending time with friends.
Whisky is not, as might be thought, for old gentlemen and Scots. It is, however, for cold nights and people who enjoy a nice drink. In Canberra you won’t struggle to find a spot. I’ve gone ahead and listed my top four favourites for winter and the drinks to be on the lookout for.
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Molly
Somewhere in Canberra
website
Number one is undoubtedly Molly. Possibly the worst kept secret in Canberra, this little hole-in-the-wall has one of the biggest and best selections of fine whisky. When combined with master bartenders (who can handle and question and give plenty of recommendations) this bar is the one-stop-shop for warm whisky on a chilly evening.
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Hippo Co
Upstairs, Garema Place, Civic
website
A list of top whisky spots wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Hippo. With old-school wooden decor and some great live jazz, Hippo knocks the warm-and-friendly vibe up a level. Another whisky-oriented bar with more then a few drinks to choose from, this is the spot to kick back and let the music and your drink warm you up.
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Akiba
Bunda Street, Civic
website
The newest bar on this list it is changing the bar game in Canberra with not only a great selection of whisky, but ever other type of liquor you can hope for. The very cool Asian-fusion vibes mix with some of the best DJs in Canberra to provide a pleasing backdrop to your whisky drink. I recommend ordering something not on the menu at Akiba. The bartenders know their stuff and will craft some truly incredible drinks with only a little inspiration and direction from their guests.
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Transit
Downstairs, Akuna Street, Civic
website
Transit is the wild card in this list. When you think of cool whisky bars you generally don’t think of the pub with great punk rock and hip-hop concerts, or with pool tables and lots of beer on tap. The great news is Transit will surprise you with their selection, and I can promise you there is nothing better to accompany hardcore jams then whisky on the rocks.
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So instead of watching Firefly for the fifth time this winter, try hitting the town and discovering all the brilliant whisky Canberra has to offer.
