Whisky and Alement image

Whisky and Alement

Bar Event venue Liquor store

1000+ rotating whiskies in an intimate bar with classes, plus a bottle shop for rare single malts. People often mention whisky, knowledgeable, staff, whiskey, selection, great, friendly, good, knowledge, whiskies,


Address

270 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

www.whiskyandale.com.au

Contact

+61 3 9654 1284

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 4 PM to 1 AM
  • Wednesday: 4 PM to 1 AM
  • Thursday: 4 PM to 1 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), Closed, Holiday hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: whisky (38) knowledgeable (18) staff (17) whiskey (13) selection (10) great (9) friendly (9) good (8) knowledge (7) whiskies (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 S C. 2 years ago on Google • 788 reviews
    Came here for one of their whisky classes (Japanese session) and was well presented, full of knowledge and a lot of fun. The whisky offerings are of top quality with some rare hard to find tastings. The whisky room upstairs is well decorated which sets up an excellent vibe. Would highly recommend their whisky masterclasses and has a stake in claiming Melbourne’s best whisky bar.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph L. 1 year ago on Google
    Zach led us through an extraordinary flight of SMWS and other whiskies, and even helped us pick out a bottle to take home. An unforgettable experience that any scotch and/or whisky fan must go through.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim J. 1 year ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Massive range of whiskys, great beers, and super tasty accompanying food plates. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the music is at the perfect level so conversation is still easy without having to strain to hear. The booth was very comfortable and I sat with my friend for an enjoyable couple of hours. The staff were very helpful and accommodating, and very knowledgeable when it came to what they were serving. Loved every minute of it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JKarl J. 6 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    If you like your whisky pair with a fancy beer or your cocktails, well that’s the place to be.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neet T. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    We loved our experience at Whiskey & Alement. My partner enjoyed the matching whiskey & beer option while I enjoyed the cocktails. The service was exceptional and the bar has a great vibe. A great experience for whiskey lovers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dragono H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is not just a bar, that-kind-of-bar, but a place where you can talk comfortably in intimate environment, while enjoying (or trying to enjoy) especially whisky, or the other varieties of spirits. To make reservation is recommended. They have a HUGE collection of whisky with different notes from different Australian, and overseas distilleries. If you know what you want, that’s good! But otherwise, you can always consult to the bartender about (probably) the nicest whisky for your liking. I’m not too fancy over whisky, and that’s why I love their “Boilermakers” menu; several seasonal pairings of 30 ml whisky and beer (they call it Chaser).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dean C. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my best experience drinking at a bar, largely due to our awesome bartender/guide
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Boxa N. 1 year ago on Google
    5 out of 5 without a doubt. Great selection of whisky and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, they willingly spend time with you and explain what is happening in your mouth. Do yourself a favour even if you’re not into whisky go for the experience and you will be surprised
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom �. 1 year ago on Google
    Always have available a good range of local and overseas whiskies served by knowledgeable staff. Tasted the Bakery Hill whisky as distillery is not open for tour or tasting until move to Kensington and the SMWS 20th Anniversary bottling.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tushar K. 2 months ago on Google • 186 reviews New
    Neat little place with a phenomenal collection of whiskies and a fantastic selection whiskey based cocktails. Bartenders are very knowledgeable and will cater to your taste and preferences in whiskies and recommend appropriately. We visited for a night cap after dinner in the city and had a wonderful time

  • 5/5 Bob J. 1 month ago on Google • 170 reviews New
    Huge selection of whisky from around the world. I recommend one of their old fashions.

  • 5/5 Andreas S. 2 months ago on Google • 156 reviews New
    Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, great selection of whiskies and delicious cocktails, must visit for any whisky fan

  • 5/5 Laurence G. 1 month ago on Google • 137 reviews New
    What can I say about this place, it should be a must on any whisky lovers itinerary. And everyone else should just go to try something new. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is cosy and intimate.

  • 5/5 Brett L. 6 months ago on Google • 129 reviews
    Lovely cosy atmosphere. Unbelievable range of whiskey on hand including scotch, US, rye, Japanese and local options, also good gin and run options. We didn't eat but the food menu reads very well. Don't expect a full sit down meal. This place is for sipping whiskey in good company. The staff are incredibly good! Very engaging and knowledgeable. I tried 2 new whiskey's with their recommendations and was blown away

  • 5/5 Matt B. 5 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    The best whisky bar in Melbourne, along with the award winning bar manager, and massive SMWS range. Super friendly staff. Do it.

  • 5/5 Nat A. 1 month ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    This place is a must! Staff welcome you the moment you enter. Service and whiskey is absolutely amazing and a taste explosion!

  • 5/5 Khim Y. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a must visit for any whisky fan. They have a staggering range of whiskies from around the world. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and they are more than happy to share their vast knowledge with anyone. Book a class with them, you won’t regret it!

  • 5/5 Tim H. 3 years ago on Google
    What a bar! Monster range of whisky, some vodka, some craft beer, ciders, rum and wines! Came in tonight for a Lark Whiskey and Wolf of the Willows meet the maker event. Met some great people and drank some very good booze. The wait staff were exceptional, knowledgeable and attentive. Ate a small cheese plate with nuts pear, quince paste and grape/currants. Excellent all round

  • 5/5 Melbournelops 3 years ago on Google
    Now this is a whisky collection. Stumbled upon this hidden bar and absolutely loved it. Incredibly knowledgeable staff, amazing whisky collection and late night snacks to soak it all up. Big thumbs up 👍

  • 5/5 Junius T. 2 years ago on Google
    one of the best whiskey bar in melb CBD, the staff is so knowledgeable and they can recommend good whiskey.

  • 5/5 Alexander T. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect place to have a dram and catch up with friends. Staff are knowledgeable and attentive, and doing their best make you feel at home as soon as you walk in.

  • 5/5 Henry P. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful selection of whiskeys and top service! Really enjoyed it!

  • 5/5 Samir J. 3 years ago on Google
    Been coming here since back in the day when it was Chez Regine, the spot has stayed the same and that’s what I like. Miss the cigars the though. Staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.

  • 5/5 Nancy L. 3 years ago on Google
    An oldy but a goody, hope this picture says a thousand words. Absolutely love this place! Long time customer, first time putting a long overdued review. Fabulous selection of whiskey served by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Cannot wait to come back when the Melbourne whiskey room reopens!

  • 5/5 Angela F. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been meaning to visit this whisky bar for a while now. With two other whisky amateurs in tow, we arrived on a Friday afternoon and were promptly seated at the bar. It's the best place to witness the deep expertise of the bartenders, a plethora of whisky on display, and to hear the most splendid stories and recommendations on what to drink and why. As an introduction, my two companions had the apple juice cocktail, which was refreshing and delicious. It was easy to drink too much in as little time! To whet our initial curiosity, we asked for something sweet and friendly for beginners, so the bartender gave us a Speyside, a Glenrothes 18 that impressed my companion to no end and has likely converted him to contemplative, whisky drinking. A bit more experienced, I had a Springbank 12, and the 18 was given to my companion to try. As always, this Campbell distillery cannot disappoint as the vegetal, earthy sweetness really situated us within the bar, which had a warm, vintage feel --all dark wood and soft light. Our bartender was generous with her knowledge, which was deeply engaging and impressively broad. We listened in rapt attention as she explained how the current bottlings don't seem to live up to the ones before, now that Springbank has gained more popularity and a rabid international following that's kept it in short supply. The indulgence of the night was a Bruichladdich 1994 Black Art, which I'd been meaning to try precisely at this bar since a bottle is prohibitively expensive. Whisky and Alement boasts one of the most comprehensive whisky collections in the country. I visited for precisely this reason and I wasn't disappointed! The Black Art is an amazing serve that sings with undulating complexity, romantic hardness, and unpeated, golden inquisition at every sip. Note that one can order half a serve for half the price, extending one's wallet and ability to drink more if 30ml per serve is too much. I did that with the Black Art and now I can say I've tasted a once-in-a-lifetime dram without having to buy an entire bottle! But it wasn't just whisky we were introduced to. We asked for some gin recommendations and received some names we'd never heard of, all rated highly. Naturally, whisky distilleries also produce gin in order to make a quick buck because whisky takes years to age. Our bartender displayed beautiful bottles of The Botanicals and The Isle of Harris, the former bottled in Islay by Bruichladdich and the latter, a Scottish award winner. So, if the knowledge and conversational skills of the bartenders don't entice you, or the sheer amount of choice of whisky, or even the warm, comfortable ambiance, then maybe the other types of alcohol, cocktails, and even the snacks will, eventually. It was such an unforgettable, charming experience! I highly recommend this bar to anyone looking for a journey through spirits, attention-grabbing conversations with experts, an enjoyable time with friends, and a place where all the above are deeply respected. Keep doing what you're doing, Whisky & Alement! There isn't any other place doing it like you do!

  • 5/5 trinity 1 year ago on Google
    Did the starter whisky course. Evan was so knowledgable, and entertaining. We learnt a lot while drinking some delicious whiskies. Had a great time, and will be back to learn (& drink) more.

  • 5/5 Kelly P. 6 months ago on Google
    I loved the place as soon as I walked in: moody but not obnoxious. Somewhere I felt I could hangout for an evening. Then I had a drink. Hot buttered cider was everything I was after on a crisp evening. Probably didn't need two, but 🤷🏻‍♀️. Then I chatted with the staff. Super friendly and accommodating (made my friend something off menu) and really knowledgeable - had a good chat about Tassie whiskey and other spirits as we were finishing up. I can't wait to come back. My new favourite CBD bar!

  • 2/5 Lisa W. 7 months ago on Google
    Disappointed- ordered a whiskey sour- served in a tiny cocktail stemmed glass (apx 100ml) and definitely didn't have the expected 2 shots of whisky - quite the rort for $21!

  • 5/5 Peter W. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing whiskey bar. With staff that really know their stuff. Even if you dont know where to start, the staff will find something you like.

  • 4/5 Peter M. 7 months ago on Google
    Fantastic array and selection of Scotch and Whisky. The service and knowledge was outstanding and we were fortunate to be able to have a very long conversation about Scotch and a bit about life. The prices were better than any of the bars and Scotch places we visited and again the selection and knowledge was excellent, on that note alone I wish I lived in the city to be able to have MORE!

  • 5/5 Anson T. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Just starting out with whisky and the bartenders are beyond knowledgeable about absolutely everything behind the bar. Everything we tried was absolutely amazing and each reccomedation was suited to exactly what we requested. The vibes are excellent and everyone is very welcoming to the hobby. Reccomedation for everyone just getting into the hobby of drinking whisky

  • 5/5 Ted S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful little bar with a great selection, fair prices and superb staff. Wandered in for a drink after a long day and just sharing the most basic description of my normal whiskeys got me a selection of options, history on each and nice chat about the selections. All very chill and relaxed too.

  • 5/5 Jack L. 1 year ago on Google
    Drinks are at a great price and offer half shots along with full shots. Massive range of whiskeys and great knowledgeable staff

  • 5/5 Daniel L. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best Whisky Bar I've been to. The staff and forever friendly and super knowledgeable (but not pretentiously so). Always walk out of here with a head full of knowledge and a belly full of whisky after a epic spare of the moment whisky journey (go 1/2 serves to speed a variety). Kudos team!


Call +61 3 9654 1284 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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