Five of The Best Bourbon Bars

Nashville, Tennessee

Just a few blocks south of Broadway, Sean Brock’s Nashville outpost is lauded for its locally sourced interpretations of Lowcountry standards. But the bourbon-soaked bar downstairs is equally buzzworthy. It has more than a hundred options, including such hard-to-find antique bourbons as Stizel Weller’s David Nicholson 1843 from Brock’s personal collection, along with offerings from local distilleries Corsair, Prichard’s, and Belle Meade. husknashville.com

Austin, Texas

Housed in a renovated Victorian on Rainey Street with a shaded patio, picnic tables, and regular live music, the Blackheart features a thoughtfully curated selection of more than a hundred high-end bourbons, including all of the Pappy Van Winkles and such Lone Star brands as Garrison Brothers and Swift. Sip a house old-fashioned (or two)out back. blackheartbar.com

Lexington, Kentucky

This place is hallowed ground for bourbon-country natives. Among the 450-plus collection—nearly all of them Kentucky bourbons—aficionados will find rare bottles of Four Roses Single Barrel, George T. Stagg, and A. H. Hirsch Reserve 16-year-old. Need a guide? Ask one of the whiskey-savvy bartenders for a recommendation. bluegrasstavern.com

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The name alone makes this narrow, inviting bar on Franklin Street worth a visit. But then there’s the gregarious Gary Crunkleton—owner, bartender, entertainer. Not to mention a stellar bourbon list that’s more than a hundred strong, including the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The staff knows exactly what to do with every bottle—whether building a cocktail around it or pairing a patron with the perfect pour. thecrunkleton.com

Washington, D.C.

You’ll find more whiskey on the wall here than at any other bar in the Western Hemisphere. The current tally of 2,100 bottles includes nearly 600 bourbons—from Jack Rose–exclusive Willett single barrel to 1964 Black Bowmore first edition. Enjoy a snifter in the classic dark–wood saloon, on the breezy open-air terrace, or in the basement whiskey cellar. jackrosediningsaloon.com