Louisville, KY

There is disagreement as to where the Old Fashioned cocktail was originated. Some say New York City. Others argue it was a product of Louisville.  Regardless of your thought, Louisville treats it like its own. A short drive outside of Louisville is the fascinating location, Watch Hill Proper. This is a whiskey bar.  They do not serve vodka, tequila, or rum.  And they are proud of their whiskey cocktails, especially their Old Fashioned.

Here, there is zero need for other spirits. They don’t see any reason to drink anything else. I tend to agree. As one walks in there is a giant wall of bottles looming in the background.  It’s hard not to stare.  It’s difficult to keep your composure. Two thousand bottles of whiskey are on the shelf. TWO THOUSAND! Over three hundred distilleries are represented, and their whiskey menu is thicker than most small-town phone books. Arranged by state and when that state was admitted into the union, it is lengthy and well organized. You could spend 15 minutes just glancing at the Kentucky section.  This was my utopia.

Some places I’ve been to have a great bar.  Other places have a great restaurant.  This has both. World class bottles and cocktails coupled with a world class menu and renowned chef. Let’s get to the Old Fashions…

First, I went with their traditional House Old Fashions. 100-proof Old Grandad, bitters + sugars. This was artfully prepared and delicately shaken.  Fantastic!  I’m still impressed by the attention given to crafting such a simple concoction. And, of course, I went for a second. 

This time choosing their “Proper Old Fashion.” A six-year barrel proof house bourbon, angostura & demerara.  When I quizzed them about the distillery the private label was from, they only replied it was, “Heavenly.” Which I’m assuming was a wink for Heaven Hill, but they never would confirm nor deny. Regardless, it was so damn good. 

Picture this.  I’m sitting there having one of the best Old Fashions I’ve ever had staring at the bottles on the wall, trying to process what I haven’t had, what I need to have, and bottles I have never seen.  For a whiskey geek like me, it was such an enjoyable experience.  Here are some stats that Watch Hill Proper boasts:

• 1,922 unique bottles
• 154 unique bourbons
• 41 states represented
• 447 unique single barrels
• 90 different $100 pours
• 1,334 unique Kentucky bottles

There are many whiskey bar options in and around Louisville, and you will be pulled in many directions. But get here.  Make this a priority even if it’s just for one of their whiskey cocktails.  There will be no regret.