Canadian Bourbon Bars
The bourbon you buy in Canada is actually made in the United States. But that fact has not made Canadians less enthusiastic about this amber hued corn whiskey. Thanks to popular culture icons like Don Draper from the hit TV show Mad Men, the bourbon-infused cocktail culture is back in Canada. By law, bourbon must be made from a grain mash that is at least half corn. The rest may include rye, wheat, or malted barley cereal. The most authentic bourbon is made in Kentucky, where European settlers first began brewing the alcoholic beverage way back in the 1700s.
In Canada, you may get bourbon made anywhere in the United States. Compared to whiskey, regular brands of bourbon is cheaper. Its strong liquor and a much-suited alcoholic beverage that is perfect to unwind after a hard day. Most Canadian whiskey bars serve bourbon as well. The best bars are usually located in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. If you are in town, here is a list of excellent places to enjoy bourbon in Canada:
Smoke Bourbon Bar-B-Q House
This little gem of a bar and restaurant is located in the heart of Toronto. It’s situated in a very unremarkable building, so it’s easy to pass by. This place is perfect to enjoy a real American bourbon experience. The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit and wood paneled like a holiday cottage. You can enjoy top-grade bourbon here, plus mouth-watering menu items like slow smoked ribs, brisket and Southern style chicken. It’s the perfect place to relax or to hang out with friends.
Grand Electric
This is one of the most bourbon-heavy bars in Toronto. You can enjoy both high-end and cheap brands here, along with craft beer, whiskey and scotch. Craft beer is served on the tap. Due to immense popularity, this bar is almost always crowded. You should visit on a Sunday if you prefer surroundings to be a little bit quieter. It’s a great spot in the city to drink and socialize. To go with the bourbon, the eatery serves fulfilling dishes such as tacos, tuna crevice and chicken Frito that is simply heavenly. You can listen to hip hop and pop music while you enjoy yourself.
The Diamond
Vancouver is known for fancy and quirky bars, and The Diamond is no different. This is great place for young people to enjoy bourbon. You can order the whiskey straight, or enjoy it in an innovative cocktail. This bar is quite famous for their bourbon milk punch. There are other varieties of good stuff to try here as well.
Red Light
Red Light may not stand out as a restaurant or a particularly stylish bar. But it is the best place in Toronto to enjoy the really good bourbon without spending an arm and a leg. If you want to spend an afternoon drinking only bourbon, this is definitely the place. Their prices are very reasonable for brands like Elijah Craig and Jim Beam Black. The service here also has a reputation for being superior. The bartenders are knowledgeable and are willing to recommend the excellent stuff.
Milk Tiger Lounge
Calgary’s Milk Tiger Lounge has a reputation for being a specialist bar that often confounds the average drinker. This bar is very intimate and usually serves a millennial and hipster crowd. Still, it is one of the best places in town to enjoy a glass of bourbon without distractions. The place has a very old fashioned atmosphere and serves old fashioned beverages including bourbon brands.
Monarch Tavern
If you ask which bar in Toronto stocks the most bourbon, then the answer is easily Monarch Tavern. It is not just a place for bourbon enthusiasts; this tavern is the place for bourbon in the city. They have almost all brands of the amber liquid on this side of the planet. While you can sip away Jim Beam all you want, this bar has lesser known brands like Booker’s to try. They are known to stock rarer brands as well. If you want to immerse yourself in a world of bourbon, there is no other place.
The above are the best places to enjoy bourbon almost exclusively. You will, however, be able to find common brands of bourbon at most bars in Canada.
Great Resource for the bourbon lovers! 🙂