Photo: HAINS & CO
Last updated: September 2023
As whisky bars have a become popular places to visit on the weekend or add to a night out, we’ve decided to revisit our whisky bars and distilleries guide!
So, whether you’re a whisky newbie wanting to dip your toes in or an avid whisky drinker already, here’s a list of some of the best places & SA whiskies for you to try.
WHISKY BARS
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
The Bibliotecha Bar and Book Exchange is a European-style bar focusing on spirits from around the world, classic cocktails… and some books because why not? There are more than 100 whiskies to choose from in this small bar, drawn from Ireland, Japan, the US, Italy and more. Their old and rare collection includes an array of the best aged bourbon, fine single malt scotch whiskies, smoky peaty varieties and many more. With over 200 bottles available, Bibliotecha Bar knows what whisky will suit your taste.
WHERE: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Baddog Bar
Tucked away in the east end, Baddog is fitted out with timber, leather booths, exposed lighting and raw concrete floors and has become a local favourite for those wanting something with a little more edge. It can be a little difficult to find, but this bar really is the definition of a hidden treasure and is well worth the effort. With over 120 bottles of booze on the wall, you can select from Baddog’s impressive whiskey and gin collections.
WHERE: 63 Hyde Street, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Deli Cellar
Deli Cellar is possibly Adelaide’s smallest boutique bar, licensed for just 35 people. With an emphasis on cocktails, wine, gin and whisky, this hidden gem is the perfect place for office knock-offs or for an intimate event.
WHERE: 12 Waymouth Street, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Hains & Co.
One of SA’s most awarded small bars, this nautically themed gin & rum bar has a strong penchant for whisky and cigars. Their spirit range is extensive, with an expert knowledge to match. The bar itself is situated in the west end, surrounded by heritage buildings right in the heart of the CBD – teleporting us to the good ol’ days with cigars and brown leather lounges.
WHERE: 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Malt & Juniper
Malt & Juniper is another small bar located on Adelaide’s iconic Peel St laneway. The bar’s aesthetic and décor references classic bars of times gone by; moody, slightly modern, and a bit botanical. The whisky available is sourced from almost every region with prices ranging from affordable to not-so-affordable. There is something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.
WHERE: 18 Peel St, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Memphis Slim’s House of Blues
Memphis Slim’s House of Blues, the bluesy basement haven on Gilbert Place, is owned by Michael Keogh who himself was named in the top 100 bartenders in the country. This trendy cocktail den, like the name suggests, is Adelaide’s home of blues with the venue boasting a long list of live music acts.
It’s whisky drink archive includes delicious concoctions like the Luke Joint (with Monkey Shoulder whisky, watermelon, vermouth, and rose water), and an Irish Coffee (with Jameson Irish whisky, black coffee syrup, Guinness reduction, vanilla, whipped cream and all served hot). The ever-changing menu means every time you visit you’ll be able to try something unique and new.
WHERE: 22 Gilbert Place, Adelaide
For more information, click here.
NOLA
NOLA is a New Orleans inspired bar and eatery, with a whisky collection of over 350 that is forever changing and evolving. The space occupies the former horse stables which were attached to the Stag Hotel, and the remaining sandstone adds to the rustic charm of the American-influenced bar. The wooden stools and booths make this the perfect place to try some whisky with friends.
WHERE: 28 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Ralph Louis Frederick
Ralph Louis Frederick is the city’s latest indulgence, an exclusive, invite-only whisky bar where luxury and privacy are the orders of the evening. This is a venue that doesn’t just serve drinks but curates experiences for the discerning few.
WHERE: 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide SA 5000 (Access through Hains & Co. gated stairway)
For more information, click here.
DISTILLERIES WITH CELLAR DOORS
78 DEGREES DISTILLERY
Situated at the idyllic Lot 100 in the Adelaide Hills, 78 Degrees Distillery is a small batch distiller showcasing unique Australian characteristics. 78 Degrees have incredible whiskies in their range including Ginger Ale Cask Whiskey, Muscat Finish Whisky, and a 2023 Native Grain Whisky.
WHERE: Lot.100, 68 Chambers Rd Hay Valley SA
For more information, click here.
Blend Etiquette
A new cellar door has opened that is sure to delight spirit enthusiasts: Blend Etiquette, offering a comfortable place to enjoy a gin tasting or drink with a bite to eat in Sturt.
Blend Etiquette is owned by husband and wife duo Lindon and Geordan Lark and the brand traces its origins back to 2016.
WHERE: 1510 Main South Rd, Sturt SA, 5047.
For more information, click here.
FLEURIEU DISTILLERY
The Fleurieu Distillery is located in the centre of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct and is known for distilling its award-winning Single Malt Whisky. On the water’s edge of the river port of Goolwa, the whisky develops expressive maple and vanilla oak overtones mixed with spicy sea-air aromas.
The distillery and brewery are open for tasting and sales from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 4.30pm.
WHERE: 1 Cutting Road, Goolwa.
For more information, click here.
PROHIBITION LIQUOR CO.
Prohibition Liquor Co. officially released the first edition of its highly anticipated Single Malt Whisky in 2023. It’s crafted with the highest quality local malted barley and has undergone a meticulous process of double distillation in a small batch copper pot still.
It’s the only fully functioning distillery located in the heart of Adelaide – and offers a unique opportunity for guests to see the process and meet the makers in a genuinely interactive environment.
WHERE: 22 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 5000
For more information, click here.
SUNNY HILL DISTILLERY
Sunny Hill Distillery sits atop one of the highest points on the Yorke Peninsula 5km North of the township of Arthurton. The tasting room and deck have amazing rural views to the North and West overlooking some of the best cereal cropping land in the state. Built on the family-founded and owned farm since 1872, their modern distillation journey has now begun.
WHERE: 8658 Upper Yorke Road, Arthurton SA
For more information, click here.
TRIA PRIMA
Tria Prima Distillery is located in the picturesque Adelaide Hills approximately 4 km from Mount Barker Summit. At Tria Prima, they foster creativity but respect tradition. They do their own mashing and fermentation using Australian barley. This is followed by a long and slow distillation in their Australian-made 2200-litre copper pot still.
WHERE: 31 Oborn Road, Mount Barker
For more information, click here.
TWENTY THIRD STREET DISTILLERY
Twenty Third Street Distillery get their name from their location, situated on the corner of Twenty Third Street & Renmark Avenue in Renmark, South Australia. The distillery creates a range of award-winning products including brandy, gin, rum, vodka and of course, whisky.
WHERE: Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street, Renmark.
For more information, click here.