The Bourbon Review compiled a list of the best bourbon bars
for the year of 2020 in each region. In the South Region, Louisiana is included
on the list three times, with Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House in New Orleans, Barrel Proof in New
Orleans, and Social Southern Table & Bar in Lafayette. This bit of
recognition is greatly needed in a time when bars are suffering. We all know
that bars were hit especially hard by the pandemic and have only recently been
allowed to reopen. To make matters worse, Louisiana bars were frequently forced
to close during hurricane season and its constant storms. With the 2020 year
wrapping up, we are all eager to get things somewhat back to normal, as well as
eager to visit our local bars.
Barrel
Proof
In the Lower
Garden District is Barrel Proof, a neighborhood bar that embraces
classic and traditional drinking. Whiskey and beer are the most prominent
drinks on the menu, with over 300 whiskeys and a large selection of craft beers
from the U.S. and around the globe. Barrel Proof hosts local pop-ups in their
kitchen; you can check out their Instagram for the rotating schedule of these pop-ups. The bar is now open, and
they are following the CDC's safety guidelines. The bar opens daily at 4 p.m.
for Happy Hour until 6 p.m. Barrel Proof believes in great spirits shared among
friends and neighbors, and their knowledgeable bartenders can help you pick out
a new favorite bourbon. Don't forget your mask! 1201 Magazine St., (504)
299-1888, barrelproofnola.com
Dickie
Brennan's Bourbon House
In the
1820s, New Orleans helped develop the aging process that produces the bourbon
that we know today. Kentucky was shipping about 2.5 million gallons of clear
liquid downstream to New Orleans, and it took five months for the liquor to get
there. Soon after it arrived, Kentucky would get orders for more of the "red
liquor"; it was discovered that the whiskey was taking on a different color and
taste due to the five months it took to arrive. This developed the aging
process that produces famous Kentucky bourbon. Intrigued by this New Orleans
connection, Dickie Brennan developed the Bourbon House, and he now has over 250 American whiskeys,
many of which are rare and hard to find. The Bourbon House is home to the New Orleans Bourbon Society, which hosts regular whiskey events
and tastings. It is free to become a member, and it includes many perks, such
as a Bourbon "passport" for members to record their tastes, a complimentary
pour of the Bourbon of the Month, an opportunity to meet and sip with other
Bourbon enthusiasts. Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House also features a menu of
fresh local seafood. The Bourbon House is an oyster bar as well, and they pride
themselves on donating the discarded shells to restore the Gulf Coast instead
of filling up landfills. The Bourbon for the month of October is Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series
2019. 144 Bourbon
St., (504) 522-0111, bourbonhouse.com
Social
Southern Bar & Table
At Social Southern Bar & Table, they believe it is all about being
true to who you are, being real, and eating well. Their ingredients are always
fresh, and they encourage everyone to enjoy the company of family or friends
over a delicious meal. Social Southern's whiskey list is extensive, and they
also offer an extensive beer and wine list. They source their ingredients from
local farms, such as Gotreaux Family Farm, Melancon Farms, and many others, and they get their beers and spirits from
local distilleries. The P.O. Box Membership Program is a program that brings something
special each month to your own Social bronze mailbox at the restaurant. Chef
Marc Krampe selects featured wines or beers, personal tasting notes, food-pairing
suggestions, recipes, imported foodstuffs, or creations from the Social kitchen.
You will also receive invitations to Social's special events and private
tastings. Happy Hour is Tuesday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.;
every Wednesday is Whiskey Wednesday, with $6 Old Fashioneds all day; and
Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is lunch and wine time, with $5
house wines by the glass. 3901 Johnston St., Lafayette, (337) 456-3274, socialsouthern.com
