The Whiskey House stands proudly as a beacon for lovers of brown liquors, claiming the title of the world’s largest whiskey retailer.
With a breathtaking selection of whiskeys, scotches, and bourbons, this establishment is an unparalleled destination for spirit connoisseurs.
In 2018, The Whiskey House was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, which confirmed its status with an extensive inventory of 2,400 unique bottles.
Since then, the collection has dramatically expanded, and as of now boasts an impressive 4,600 varieties.
To assist patrons in navigating this dizzying array of choices, a 75-page “whiskey bible” is available, categorizing selections by their geographic origins, including various American states and countries from around the globe.
The visual appeal of the bar is undeniable, with numerous bottles showcased on illuminated shelves that dominate the venue’s design, from the elongated bar to the inviting dining and lounge areas.
Guests can indulge in 1.75-ounce pours directly from the whiskey bible or opt for curated tastings, which present a selection of five different whiskeys for an introductory price of $29.
For those seeking a premium experience, the “money is no object” tasting offers exclusive, limited-release brands for a staggering $699.
During my initial visit to The Whiskey House, located on Third Avenue in downtown, I embarked on a tasting journey featuring Scotch whiskeys from the Highlands of Scotland.
The Highland producers primarily employ 100% malted barley and a straightforward distilling process, resulting in bold and smoky flavor profiles that I favor over the milder offerings from the Lowlands, which often come across as too delicate.
My chosen lineup included whiskeys aged between 10 to 15 years, and paired beautifully with an exquisite trio of house-made sausages presented on a board with crostini, sauerkraut, and mustard.
More recently, I enjoyed a visit during happy hour (daily from 4 to 7 p.m.), where I found delicious deals on food and drinks.
For just $8, a classic whiskey sour made from Benchmark whiskey prepped my palate for a traditional Scotch egg, also priced at $8.
Each Scotch egg was delightful, encasing a boiled egg in perfectly crumbled sausage, revealing a glossy medium-cooked yolk when cut open.
Served on a bed of arugula, this was one of the finest Scotch eggs I’ve tasted outside of England, where I have indulged in many.
Next, I savored a $12 char-grilled pork chop marinated in scotch, rosemary, and garlic.
Accompanied by fries, this juicy chop truly impressed my taste buds.
Seizing the opportunity to pair the dish with a pour of Balblair’s 12-year-old Highland single-malt Scotch for $16, I found its flavor gentle and slightly fruity, though I resolved to explore other options in the future given the endless possibilities at The Whiskey House.
The establishment’s happy hour and regular dinner menu feature other tempting selections, including a cheddar smash burger with grilled onions, Vietnamese-style chicken wings, a black bean burger, New York strip steak, and even fish and chips.
Additionally, a brunch menu is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.
Approaching its 10-year anniversary in January, The Whiskey House benefits from its location just moments from the bustling Gaslamp Quarter.
With its relaxed Manhattan-inspired ambiance, it reaffirms the notion that hidden gems persist within urban settings.
Among its many attractions, The Whiskey House hosts monthly club events featuring guest distillers.
An upcoming tasting event on July 16 (from 6 to 9 p.m.) will showcase the Nevada-based Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers, featuring five of their whiskeys, alongside sausage and steak sliders.
Tickets for this exclusive event can be purchased for $45 in advance or $55 on the day, depending on availability.
Those interested can find more details and secure their tickets through the official website at thewhiskeyhousesd.com.
Pricing at The Whiskey House generally ranges from $3 to $18 for happy hour appetizers and plates, with beer, wine, and cocktails costing between $5 and $9.
Dinner menu items, including appetizers, soups, and salads, range from $7 to $22, while entrees fall within the $15 to $24 range.
For whiskey tastings, options begin at $29 and can reach as high as $699 for premium experiences.
image source from：timesofsandiego
