Whisky is the sort of beverage that lends itself to good conversation and important moments; little wonder, then, that it is so often the libation of choice for toasting a successful business deal.
Whether it’s single malt, bourbon or mellow, club-style Canadian rye, whisky is a sophisticated sipper. It also forms the foundation for some of our favourite classic and creative cocktails: among them, the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Boulevardier or Sazerac.
And Victoria is a town that takes its drams seriously. For one thing, the city plays host to one of the world’s great whisky events — the Victoria Whisky Festival, January 16 to 19 at the Hotel Grand Pacific. For another, it’s home to these five great whisky bars. Sláinte!
Whisky Lounge at Fathom
Given that Fathom is located in the host hotel for the whisky fest, it’s no surprise that bar manager Adam Bradshaw has concocted a pretty serious whisky list. He’s tailored it for “the enthusiasts and explorers who respect the craft and the history of whisky,” filling his back bar with a rich variety of flavours and styles, paying special attention to his Canadian selection.
Clive’s Classic Lounge
If a publication as prestigious as the U.K.-based Whisky magazine names a bar the Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year (2023), you know you’re guaranteed a decent dram. Bar manager Shawn Soole and his team curate a program that showcases more than 250 whiskies from around the world. Plus they shake up some spectacular cocktails, too.
Artemis Whiskey Bar
Step through the secret speakeasy entrance on Wharf Street and discover a space-themed bar where the whisky selection is out of this world. There are at least 150 Scotch whiskies on the list here as well as a generous selection of Irish, Japanese and Canadian whiskies, including some real treasures. You just have to find the place first.
The Churchill
With a prime location on Government Street, this sister pub to the Garrick’s Head has a chill, cozy ambience and, more importantly, an impressive whisky list heavy on the scotch and scotch-style libations.
Bard & Banker
Just up Government Street, the Bard is a bigger, busier, shinier pub housed in a former bank, with live music, cozy snugs for high-level meetings and whisky flights that let you sample a range of styles from around the world.