Barrels of Joy: Top Whisky Bars in Adelaide
Don’t sleep on Adelaide’s whisky scene.
Whether you’re into Hain’s & Co’s vintage blends or Merrymaker Rooftop Bar’s contemporary brews, the CBD has a whisky bar for your preference.
Ready to savor whisky Adelaide-style? Raise your glass and relax; our article has your back!
Malt & Juniper
Address: 18 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0439 227 933
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
Malt & Juniper’s whisky bar sets the mood with dim lighting, plush booths, and a towering back bar stocked with an impressive whisky selection.
You’ll find a healthy mix of local brands rubbing shoulders with big-name national and international spirit labels. Some must-try drinks include the classic Johnnie Walker and a 200-dollar bottle of Yamazaki aged in a Mizunara oak cask.
If you’re looking for a bit of mixology magic, Malt & Juniper has that too. Their Vanilla Coffee, for instance, is a concoction featuring local pride Starward Whisky and homemade vanilla cream.
| Tip: Visit their Facebook or Instagram for announcements of new whisky bottles and whisky-infused cocktails. |
Baddog Bar
Address: 63 Hyde St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 6 pm to 12 am
- Fri – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 7 pm to 12 am
- Sun – Closed
At Baddog Bar, they’re all about the bold flavors, and they have the goods to prove it. You’ll discover a treasure trove of spirits like the robust Craft Revolution and High West Whisky.
We also have a special love for their slightly spicy Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. The Hochstadter’s Vatted Straight Rye Whisky is another banging drink, known for its rich character.
Baddog Bar also has another edge aside from its strong whisky lineup: its classic rock pub vibes and electrifying live performances. Blues and rock ‘n roll legends like Steve Gower and Chris Finnen are some of the hitmakers who’ve performed here.
| Tips: Don’t come to this spot hungry. Baddog Bar doesn’t serve food. Head to their Insta to stay updated, from current whisky additions to upcoming events or performances. |
NOLA Adelaide
Address: 28 Vardon Ave, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
NOLA Adelaide is a laid-back and artsy whisky bar bringing local and foreign flavors of liquid gold to the CBD. Our favorite is the smooth but powerful 5 NINES – Cask Strength, a local gem from SA that knocked our socks off with its 60% ABV.
Our team also fell in love with their oaky and sweet 50% ABV Bond and Lillard – Kentucky Straight Bourbon. If rye is your jam, the herby and spicy 5 Square Mile – Rye is unmissable.
But hey, they have the classics too, like Aberlour-A’Bunadh, a Speyside Scotch with malty flavors and a smoky aftertaste. It’s perfect with their roasted free-range chicken and smoked brisket.
| Tips: Stay updated on their upcoming music events and performers. Expect local artists. Join the bar’s exclusive club to taste rare whisky from NOLA’s cellar. |
Maybe Mae
Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0416 498 192
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 1 am
Maybe Mae is the whisky bar for drinkers who prefer whisky-infused cocktails and chic contemporary waterholes.
Their Booze & Juice is one of the best stress relievers in Adelaide. Expect a zesty lime kick with a hint of fruity apple goodness and the warmth of whisky to round it all out.
Now, if you’re feeling fancy, grab the Bill Murray for $22 per glass. Savor a refreshing burst of citrus and mint with a strong whisky finish.
| Tips: See what events they’re cooking. They typically have collabs with other bars and restos, a martini fest, and music nights. Remember to call if you’re visiting with a group of 8 or more. Booking is required if the group is this large. |
The Collins Bar
Address: 233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8237 0760
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – Closed
- Fri – 4 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 2 pm to 12 am
- Sun – Closed
The city’s chaos has no chance against The Collins Bar’s tranquility, elegance, and top-tier whisky selection. They’re packing Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel with smoky and caramelized tastes, perfect for those who prefer vintage flavors.
The George Dickel 8-year bourbon is pure class too, with a smoky and spiced-up flavor our teammates (even the non-whisky fans) enjoyed.
They also have premier Scottish whisky like the Cragganmore 12-year Single Malt, a heavenly mix of tobacco and fruits. And, of course, there’s Irish firewater in the form of the sweet, nutty, and robust Jameson whisky.
| Tip: Their dimly lit and romantic venues are ideal for private parties, meetings, and date nights. |
Studio 99 Art and Whisky
Address: 99 Lipson St, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
Contact Details: 0498 523 459
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – Closed
- Fri to Sat – 3 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 2 pm to 6:30 pm
Studio 99 is where fantastic art meets excellent whisky. Their top international blends include the spiced 18-year-old Chivas Regal Gold Signature and the oaky Proper Number 12 of UFC superstar Connor McGregor.
They have some total knockouts from the East too. The Asian headliner is Japan’s nutty and spiced Nikka From the Barrel.
The Aussie whiskies also didn’t disappoint, particularly the Melbourne Moonshine Apple Pie with a sweet flavor profile and light kick.
| Tip: If you’re not yet hammered, explore every room here to see all the artwork. |
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Address: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
The European-styled Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange is a literary hotspot where you can sip some fine whisky.
For the grog, the Balblair brought the Scottish Highlands to our palates. It hit us in the wallets ($16 per glass), but its top-notch malty richness and hints of vanilla made every penny worthwhile.
The 12-year-old Hakushu also did wonders for our taste buds, offering lightly sweet and zesty flavors with a hint of green freshness. This one is better for beginner whisky drinkers who aren’t yet into strong flavors.
| Tips: Make your whisky-drinking session unique by reading the classic books here. Head to their Instagram to see event announcements, like promos and cocktail nights. |
Merrymaker Rooftop Bar
Address: 23-29 Market St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8472 2400
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – Closed
- Thu – 2 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 2 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 2 pm to 9 pm
Merrymaker Rooftop Bar is all about sipping first-rate whisky and cocktails while chilling in a fashionable spot with premium city views.
For the drinks, the 78 Degree Scotch is a go-to classic here. It features timeless, rich, complex, and smooth flavors that make it a hit among connoisseurs and newcomers.
Then there’s the Amaretto Sunset, a terrific choice for guests who prefer whisky with other liquor. Every glass is filled with Amaretto, whisky, a zesty lemon twist, and topped off with a splash of red wine.
| Tips: Witness the breathtaking sunset views. Check the weather forecast if you want to relax in Merrymaker Rooftop Bar’s outdoor space. |
Rob Roy Hotel
Address: 106 Halifax St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 5391
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Fri – 11 am to 10 pm
- Sat – 11 am to 12 am
- Sun – 11 am to 3 pm
The Rob Roy Hotel is a posh pub with pricy but worth-every-penny whiskies.
Their Balvenie Caribbean Cask, a 14-year-old Scotch aged in a Caribbean rum cask, is a must-taste for whisky lovers. It delivers rich honeyed notes and a hint of exotic spice.
Next in the spotlight is the Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch, the 12-year-old classic that’s smoother than silk. It undergoes triple distillation magic, giving it a clean and crisp flavor profile with a touch of vanilla and citrus.
| Tips: Arriving early allows you to choose your preferred seating and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere before it gets crowded. All of Rob Roy Hotel’s announcements (such as performances, new drinks, and events) are posted on their Instagram. |
Bank Street Social
Address: 48 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7080 9800
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 3:30 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 1 am
Bank Street Social is known for slinging killer pizza, but its wicked whisky selection is generating buzz too.
They have Glenmorangie Original 10-year-old, a single malt Scotch. It’s smooth, with citrus and vanilla flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cheesy or meaty slice of pizza.
They also pour Miyagikyo single malt, a Japanese whisky praised for its fruity goodness with a touch of spice. It pairs flawlessly with any savory pizza, but it truly shines alongside a good ol’ pepperoni pie.
| Tips: Bank Street Social’s food and music events are lit. Stay in the loop for a better drinking experience. You can hire their venue for weddings, filming, and corporate meetings. |
Hains & Co
Address: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8410 7088
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sat to Sun – 4 pm to 2 am
Hains & Co is a slick and trendy nautical-themed bar with classy vintage spirits.
First up on their list is the Adelphi Mortlach 36-Year-Old from 1986—a drink older than this joint. Each sip unravels layers of oakiness, smokiness, and hints of dried fruits.
There’s also the Strathmill 25-Year-Old from 1989 that’s been aging like a fine wine, or in this case, like a top-shelf whisky. This one is a smooth operator with notes of honey, vanilla, and spices.
| Tips: Experience their monthly Whisky 101 Masterclass. You’ll taste the bar’s curated selection and learn more about whisky in this workshop. You can purchase other products like t-shirts, signature blends, and whisky taster kits. |
