At Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, you’ll find better than 650 whiskeys (and “whiskies”)—plus all sorts of other spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine—available for your imbibing pleasure. Needless to say, this is one of the better places to go in Pensacola when you feel like wetting your whistle!
The ambience alone is pretty great: dark but warmly lit, feeling a bit like a friendly cavern hideaway. The view of the literal wall of bottles behind the bar ought to be breathtaking for any fan of distilled beverages.
“Old Hickory” in the saloon’s name nods to the nickname of Andrew Jackson, who before becoming the seventh President of the United States served as the first governor of Florida Territory. (Indeed, Jackson’s old Pensacola digs were right across the street from Old Hickory Whiskey Bar.) The “Whiskey” in the name refers to—well, just what it says: a staggering spectrum of this venerable spirit, with bottles hailing from all around the globe.
We’re talking Scotch, Irish whisky, Canadian whisky, that ultra-refined and award-winning Japanese stuff, rye whiskey, and good old Bluegrass State bourbon, among other offerings. Whether you’re an ultra-discerning whiskey connoisseur (and we’re sure there’s a specific obscure name for such a person) or an everyday fan who simply enjoys the pleasant burn and bite of any old dram, you’re sure to find something—if not literally dozens—of tipples to try here.
But whiskey (and whisky) isn’t the sole focus at Old Hickory. If another spirit’s your jam, you’ll find plenty of good gins, tequilas, rums, vodkas, and other hard stuff available from the bar. You’ve also got the option of ordering off the list of seasonal artisan cocktails: some of which, naturally, are whiskey-based, but by no means all.
Throw in wine, beer, and non-booze options, and you’re undoubtedly going to find something to quench your thirst at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, to put it mildly. (And, hey, on that subject: Don’t forget to hydrate with some straight-shooting H2O while you’re exploring the ins and outs of the Old Hickory spirits menu.) The bartenders can dispense advice regarding the perfect drink for your tastes and your mood—or, of course, they’ll also just dispense whatever it is you confidently order.
Old Hickory Whiskey Bar hosts a regular schedule of events, including some fantastic whiskey classes, seminars, and guided tastings well worth checking out if you’ve got even a passing interest in the beverage. There are also generally various parties, bartending competitions, and other happenings on the calendar.
Here are some notable items on the Old Hickory Whiskey Bar menu:
Glenmorangie Lasanta
This is among the most celebrated Scotch whiskeys from the Highlands: a regal creation that’s earned more than a few World Whiskies Awards.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
This topnotch whiskey gets finished off in port barrels: a bold departure from the bourbon tradition and one worth sampling, for sure.
Old Hickory
At the center of this signature Old Hickory Whiskey Bar cocktail is one of the old-reliable bourbons of all time: Buffalo Trace, which you can never go wrong with.
Take a deep dive into the wide and wonderful world of whiskey at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar—or, if you’re not feeling the Scotch or the bourbon, go another “spiritous” route. Either way, the ambiance, and the friendly, knowledgeable bar-keeping will make it worth your while.
Insider Tip:
Keep in mind that Old Hickory Whiskey Bar doesn’t serve food: Treat the bar as a destination for a before- or after-dinner tipple.