Whiskey

As others have said, great concept, but terrible in practice. I find it funny that I never had the opportunity to leave a less than stellar review for them on Unilocal before they closed, oh well.
For those that have the means, I suggest opening a similar bar that is not a «private club» that selectively enforces the arbitrary age requirement of 23 (sometimes 25 when they felt like it) and has a more friendly bar staff. Last I checked, a bartender doesn’t have to be like the show Cheers, but at least have a modicum of friendliness and appreciation that you are a patron of their establishment. Then again if you aren’t particularly friendly, you can at least make drinks reasonably fast right? Wrong, they were slow at that too, it would sometimes take 10 – 15 minutes to get a drink and the bar wasn’t even half full.
There is room in Durham for a bar like Whiskey, just not like how the business was executed. Perhaps this is a cautionary tale of how not to run a business? I think so.

CLOSED — Unfortunately over the past year or so, service suffered, drink quality decreased, and a difficult door man who seemed more interested in hosting his friends drove people away.

Let me tell you a brief story about the time since my last review.
In early 2011, they opened the second floor as an «exclusive» members-​only club for 150 $/​yr. The best bartenders and the best booze went upstairs, and so I followed. It was luxurious, intimate, and everything I ever hoped for in a bar. Bartenders, of course, make the bar, and the two who were upstairs made The Club Room a very special place indeed. Their passion for and interest in cocktails and spirits drove them to create a superior experience that I really enjoyed. Over the next three months, a friend of mine and I spent quite a lot of time and money in The Club Room, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
A few months in, those bartenders moved on to other projects, and the bartender who replaced them was not able to maintain the special atmosphere. While he is certainly a competent bartender, he was not as personable and warm as the previous staff, and seemed not to have the same obvious passion for cocktails and spirits. We stopped going as frequently, and when our memberships expired, we did not renew them.
Late in 2013, the Club Room closed and became the smoking lounge, and downstairs went non-​smoking.
Even after our memberships upstairs expired, we still occasionally went downstairs (though with much reduced frequency in 2012 due to life events) to sample new whiskey and enjoy the atmosphere, and still very much enjoyed the experience. The downstairs staff was generally competent and pleasant, and when it wasn’t busy we enjoyed discussing whisk (e)y with them.
On our most recent visit, the bouncer was incredibly rude (note that you do not have to be rude to be an effective bouncer!), and it seems they no longer enforce any sort of dress code because people with athletic wear were being let in with no hassle. I suspect that they may also have relaxed the age requirement to 21+, though I am not certain of that. In any case, the upstairs bar was untended, the downstairs bar was understaffed for the entirely-​predictable crowd, and it did not seem that the downstairs bartenders had a good handle on what they were doing.
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From the beginning, Whiskey was an «up-​market» bar. The dress code and age requirement made it better than your average watering hole, and the quality, care, craftsmanship and attention to detail made the Whiskey «experience» worth the premium prices they were charging.
The most recent visit made it clear that over the years, the Whiskey «experience» has deteriorated to the point where it isn’t really worth the premium any more. I will probably still go back at a not-​busy time to continue sampling new spirits, but Whiskey will no longer be my first choice of bar.

I’ve been here about 3 times. The first time the price of whiskey blew my mind. The second I realized that I didn’t have to buy them and got a beer. I enjoyed the experience a lot more when I realized they had an upstairs smoke room. So I can afford the brew and bring the smoking crew … Its growing on me.

Really don’t like this place. Great selection for whiskey but awful if you want anything else. Also the indoor smoking is hard to take.

I have to say Whisky is a very classy place and if you like dim lit bars with fancy mixed drinks that cost 10+ you will probably like this place. I stopped by this place after a Durham Bulls game with some friends and have to say shorts, flip flops and baseball caps are not really the ideal wardrobe here. Also, if I was a whisky drinker, I would probably rate Whisky higher, because it looked like they had a kick-​ass whisky list. I am not a Whisky person though so I can only give Whisky 3 stars. It might be five stars for you though.

Enjoyed myself here, first time going. This is definitely one of the reasons I love Durham because of all these unique spots that attract the right crowds. I had 3 Juan Collins … the first two I got downstairs were awesome. The guys really did well with the drinks. The lady upstairs, not so much. The atmosphere is very nice, great jazzy, blues, folk type music. Upstairs had a little more pop R&B type music. Good mix crowd of ages and races. This will be a regular spot :)

Nice place, nice owner but some serious staffing issues. First bartender was very rude to our party when ordering. I asked him to recommend a $ 6 whiskey pour and was told they didn’t have any and was offered a 7&7. Really? I had the menu open with 6 pages of bourbon scotch and whiskey with dozens at 6 dollars and he didn’t know what to say. We stopped ordering from him and the next guy was so much better.
There is a smoking room on the second floor but they have a very rude bouncer guarding it like its a VIP lounge. Was told three times it was full, right after the third time the owner had stopped by and said there is room and took two of us up. The bouncer even tried stopping up again until he saw we were with the owner. The place was only 2/​3rds full. The guy was just being a jerk.
The highlight was when the bouncer kicks our friend out because she is pregnant and according to him a liability risk. She was not in the smoking room and drinking soda. Owner came outside after talking with him and gave a long winded excuse about liability and not being a bar that serves food so there were more restrictions but ultimately said she was welcome back in. No thanks, the Owner needs to clear out some employees first.

My Dukie friends always talk about going to Whiskey when they’re in town as everyone is finally old enough to get into this place now. FYI you’re required to be 23+ to go here, which is mainly to keep all the undergrads out. I finally went with some out of town friends last night but honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed by everything here except for my drink. (I got an Aviation cocktail which was pretty fantastic tasting.)
My main issue was that the bouncer/​staff were definitely giving our group looks and commenting on various things (against adding certain chairs to our table, etc) during the night and generally making me feel like we were intruding on them. By no means were we underdressed or behaving obnoxiously, but I definitely felt unwelcome here. I think the bartenders/​regulars here are a bit snooty as well — I tried asking about a cocktail that the bartender was making for someone else and got a look as if I were an alien from outer space.
Also, this place is pretty small (and dark) so be aware if you’re coming with a large group that there really isn’t going to place to sit or really stand unless you come super early. There’s a cigar lounge upstairs with standing room but either that room gets full early on in the night (around 10:30 on a Friday night) or the staff person we asked just told us that to keep us out. Obviously, this is also a smoking area so that may not be an option for everyone.
I’d say skip the lungful of cigar smoke and just head to Bull McCabe’s down the street — you won’t regret it.

This place is fantastic. I went late on a Monday night with my wife… it was practically empty. Great Whiskey selection. A bit pricey, but good Scotch is pricey anywhere.
The atmosphere is perfect. It is very dark. There is wood panelling. Each small table is lit with a single candle.
I plan to go back frequently.

Smokey dark just the way a whiskey bar should look… Still my go to spot for a decent selection of whiskey. When they’re not super busy if is nice to chat with a bartender, make a new friend and get the inside scoop on the new selection. Some of my faves are angles envy, aged bulliet, and buffaloes trace

For downtown Durham… you really don’t have that many choices. It is nice little walk from Durham Stadium… so perfect for before or after a game. The bartender the night we went didn’t really know his cigars… his reply to me was… I don’t smoke… I mean usually at a Cigar bar you have peeps to help you out… he was good with the firsts recommendation and the 2^nd one was terrible. I then asked for the first recommendation and he gave me something completely different. Other than that… nice cool vibe, nice lounge chairs an and outdoor seating area.

Whiskey is awesome! Let’s clarify a few things.
1. They have cigars and allow smoking.
2. It takes a while to get a drink, but they are hand crafted ounces of deliciousness.
3. You get what you pay for, pricey but really really good.
This is a classic style bar, out of the 40’s/50’s. Beautifully crafted wood bar, classic wood everywhere else. It’s very dim, even when it’s bright outside. There is a faint smell of tobacco even when no one is smoking a cigar. As my wife put it, «this is a man’s bar, I just get to visit it with you.» …and on occasion she has gone without me to enjoy a few drinks.
Let’s talk about the drinks there. They are amazing! As I stated before, it does take some time to get a drink, but they are worth it. They craft each drink with the care and special ingredients they deserve. The Rye Manhattan’s are second to none, and it’s the only place I’ll ever get a Sazurac (sp?) outside of the best bars in New Orleans (because they are the only ones that make it correctly).
Dress nice (the have a dress code), grab a drink and a cigar (if you like ‘em), and just sip it and let the time pass you by.
*My favorite times to go are not on Fri/​Sat nights as those are too busy for me. I like to go during the off times.

Walking into Whiskey’s gives you a feeling of being in a 1940s «noir» film. Where you are expecting to meet a contact and you are certain that there is an Axis spy waiting for you at the bar. The smoke filled room is a rarity in many of the bars and clubs in the state of North Carolina, any smoker can be appreciative of the environment. The structure is beautiful, the main bar area gives a great lounge environment. It is dark yet warm, crowded but you can be lonesome if you wish to be. The upstairs lounge is reminiscent of a place where Capone and Dillinger may have discussed plans for the takeover of the criminal underworld.
Overall, Whiskey is a beautifully adorned bar/​lounge with amazing drinks. The clientele is friendly and are only looking to enjoy their evening with conversation and a little flirting.
Despite the nostalgic atmosphere and tasty liquors, Whiskey’s employees can make the experience extremely unpleasant in a blink of an eye. The bouncer and bartenders are not rude, but exhibit a pretentious attitude. Rumor has it that the lounge upstairs is no longer a members’ only area. Now, a guest has to be invited to come up to the lounge. I expect this kind of attitude as an exclusive club in Miami Beach or Manhattan but not in Durham, where I believe locals have a more inclusive mindset. The upstairs lounge is protected from «non-​desirables», unless you’re a woman with a pack of other women, the likelihood of being admitted to the upstairs lounge is minimal.
Even with the blessing of the monstrous gatekeeper, you’re prevented from bringing drinks from the first floor bar to the upstairs bar. This would be acceptable if it wasn’t for two crucial faults.
1. The bartender in the upstairs bar is not always there. He keeps going downstairs to «invite» guests of his choosing to the upstairs bar.
2. The drinks are more expensive and are far more limited, but this is due to the high end selection of spirits that are in this part of Whiskey’s.
Overall, this is a beautifully designed bar meant to appeal to a more mature and chic populace of Durham. If you visit this location, know that it is filled with smokers and drink prices are higher than most places. If this is your kind of joint, by all means come by for a drink and enjoy your classy evening. Just be wary of the staff who may or may not consider you a client.
My reason for the three stars is solely due to the arrogant attitudes of their staff. I sincerely hope that Whiskey’s management reconsiders their approach to customer service. I am willing to give Whiskey another chance to redeem themselves but it won’t be any time soon.

I had heard about Whiskey from reading Unilocal and from others mentioning it. I found myself in downtown Durham one Friday evening and thought «I should give Whiskey a try tonight.» And so I did.
I love the atmosphere. From the great neon sign outside, to the dark dimly lit interior, dark wood EVERYWHERE, leather sofas, etc. It was like a big long extended study, or certainly man cave material. Like I said, LOVE the atmosphere. This is a booze joint. A bar’s bar. This, yes, this is where you enjoy your whiskey and bourbon… and whatever other libation your mixologist concocts for you.
Since they are also a cigar bar, they offer a small cabinet humidor of cigars at the main bar downstairs from local distributor Bull City Cigars (kudos to supporting local business). I perused the selection, settled on a 54G Robusto and then had a Weller 12 year old bourbon. Life was good. They have a BOOK of booze to pick from, some very pricey, somewhat pricey, medium priced, and lower priced. All worth the price, as I believe in these sort of bars you may pay a bit more for the experience you want. There’s something for every taste. Very enjoyable time. Great bartenders made sure all was attended to. Good service. I am glad I decided to stop in.
Bottom line: Great bar atmosphere. Good cigar selection from local distributor Bull City Cigars. Large selection of drinks at various grade of prices. They will see me again!

I just visited Whiskey and I really enjoy the diverse and eclectic drink offerings. The barkeeps are knowledgeable and were courteous and professional.
Now the bad. Why all the smoking? As a non-​smoker I will never, ever come back to this place. I don’t enjoy the second hand smoke and the stench of the toxic fumes on my clothes is not appreciated.
The drinks are a little pricey for my taste as well.
So if you are hip and wanting to shave a couple of years off your life this is the place for you.

One of my friends is a «high roller» and he has a membership to the «private area» upstairs, which is insanely awesome. Old-​time clubby with leather chairs and wood and rugs and all that.
Anthony the bartender made me a pre-​prohibition Old Fashioned with rye, and it was money.
There’s a walk-​in humidor that I didn’t partake in, but if you like that then there you go.

I really like this place. I wanted to start out letting everyone know, since I’ve only given Whisky 3 stars — but there are a few good reasons for it.
The good: you feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you walk into Whisky — the dark wood, leather chairs, dimmed lighting and bartenders in their prohibition-​era garb make you forget that you just walked in from 2011. The cigar menu is fun. The drinks are top-​notch. For ginger lovers, do get the Dark and Stormy, I’d never had one better than they make here.
The bad: the bartenders and staff seem to have shitty attitudes. We’ve been in a handful of times now, and it’s been consistent. There seem to be regulars here, and they get notably better treatment than us ‘others’ — which is a shame. The drinks are expensive, I believe the cheapest mixed drink here is $ 11. Mind you, they do seem to use very high quality ingredients, and I don’t mind paying a bit more for that — but on the whole, I still think the drink prices are ridiculously steep.

This place is like a non-smoker’s nightmare. A friend invited me to listen to some live jazz on a Thursday. I was really pumped because I had heard good things… except the fact that it is a cigar bar. Unfortunately the stench of smoke was waayyy too much for me. I’ve never smoked and have little tolerance to the smell of it, so I barely made it in there 5 minutes. Even in such short time the smell of smoke go ton my clothes, yuck! That is why I had to give 2 stars.
I’m sure it could be a good spot once you get past the smoke, but I personally could not.

Brown, brown, brown is what I’m thinking here at Whiskey. This bar is a throw-​back to another time and place, it would fit really nicely in NYC, say SOHO. Lots of wood paneling, stamped metal ceilings, stuffed leather couches and gilded mirrors. As expected, they’ve got a HUGE whiskey and scotch selection here. And apparently I just chose to drink a $ 17 shot of gin for my traditional G&T, ouch. But this bar is serious about it’s libations, so you’ll pay accordingly!
Also be aware that Whiskey is the only bar in Durham where smoking is still allowed, it took me a bit of time to get used to the smoke. But in all honesty, there’s something about having a serious cocktail in one hand and a cigarette in another so I’m cool with it! And that’s what Whiskey is about: real, adult libations in a clubby atmosphere. Will need to wear my ascot for my next visit! I’ll have to come back on a busy night to see what the scene and people are like…