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Get your whiskey on

By Nicole Zerillo | Special to amNewYork

November 30, 2007

View of a glass of whiskey and gougeres (cheese puffs) at the Brandy Library located in Tribeca, New York, Nov. 27, 2007. (Melanie Fidler / November 27, 2007)

Enjoying a round of whiskey can be a definite antidote to Manhattan's sometimes tedious cocktail culture. No longer reserved for urban hillbillies or toffs with monogrammed slippers, the city's finest whiskey bars add heat and high spirits to anyone's chill winter evening out on the town. Check out amNY's top picks:

Brandy Library, 25 N. Moore Street, 212-226-5545.
The warmly lit Brandy Library is a sophisticated lounge with shelves of books and bottles that provide a taste of the city's largest spirit collection (330 single malt scotches, 440 whiskies and 80 bourbons). Impressive offerings, like a glass of Macallan's 30 years 96 proof Sherry cask, may run as high as $254, but never fear: An exceptionally knowledgeable wait staff will help you find a choice dram, tailored to your taste-buds and your pocketbook. Don't forget to check out Single Malt Saturdays, with free samplings of the newest scotch.

Whiskey Ward, 121 Essex Street, 212-477-2998.

Once upon a time, "whiskey ward" was slang for the Lower East Side. Today the local bar Whiskey Ward might bring back the title. In the spirit of the old world tavern, Whiskey Ward has a cast of friendly regulars, bottles labeled XXX behind the bar, and a solid drinks menu of simple and smooth whiskeys with a few surprises. Just try the unchill filtered scotch straight from the cask (Laphroaig $16, Longmorn $12).

Ginger Man, 11 E. 36th Street, 212-532-3740.
This charismatic Irish pub is not only a fantastic place to learn great Irish slang amidst other, em, langered lads, but a fine spot to try out a variety of whiskeys ranging from domestic to Japanese drams. Ginger Man is always updating its menu, not to mention its cast of friendly regulars, making it the perfect spot to start wading into the wonderful world of whiskey. First-timers are urged to try their clear, sweet 12-year-old Balvenie Doublewood for $10 before sampling smokier, more complex concoctions.

d.b.a., 41 1st Ave., 212-475-5097.
Stop by d.b.a. and discuss a whiskey's bouquet without fear of being assaulted for sheer affectation. A modest interior and casual customers belie a connoisseur's choice of nearly 100 different whiskeys. Learn insider secrets like where to buy the best duty free whiskey (Heathrow Airport) and how to change the taste by adding particular spring waters, by sitting at the bar, or sampling your way through the bar's continuing education program, Whiskey 101. Regardless of your whiskey background, go for the Glenrothes 1991 Highland, $14, with just enough fire to tickle the tongue.