1. Sweetwater, Boynton Beach
According to partner Clint Reed, South Florida’s best-stocked bar features 1,300 whiskeys, 300 gins, and six vodkas. The whiskeys are concentrated in the original Sweetwater space and accompanied by a gastropub menu. Saxon, Sweetwater’s newest addition next door, focuses on gin, amaro, and cordials as well as crudo and charcuterie. Wherever you sit, you’ll have a craft cocktail experience equal to anything found in New York or San Francisco.
2. C.W.S. Kitchen & Bar, Lake Worth
What appears to be a prototypical sports bar from the outside is actually a treasure trove of whiskey: nearly 200 bourbons, another hundred varieties of American rye, and an impressive collection of both blended and single malt Scotch. Rounding out the list is a substantial group of Japanese whiskeys, including rare items such as Hakushu 18 and Hibiki 21. Sip them in the cozy indoor den and dine on bites like crispy brussels sprouts, or relax at a communal table on the garden patio.
2. Grease Burger Bar, West Palm Beach
If you want to pair something other than craft beer with your 10-ounce burger, reach for the whiskey list, which includes flight specials on Wednesdays. The bulk of the 300-plus selections are Kentucky bourbon, but there’s also a strong section of Irish malts including Redbreast 15-Year and Middleton Very Rare. Even more unusual is the collection of 20 Canadian spirits, sometimes referred to as the Rodney Dangerfield of whiskey. Enjoy the beef-and-grain combo at the long oak bar or in front of the working fireplace.
3. Park Tavern, Delray Beach
Park Tavern concentrates on making everything in-house, using carefully sourced local and sustainable ingredients. When it comes to spirits, their philosophy is “whiskey for your mouth, not for our shelves,” and all selections are available in 1- and 2-ounce pours. The list is strongest in American bourbon and rye, but also includes Japanese gems such as Yamazaki 18 and the 17- and 21-year pure malts from Nikka. Look out for flights featuring a private single-barrel 1792, batches from Barrel Bourbon, and Jefferson’s Ocean Cask Strength.
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