Move over gin, you’ve had your time in the spotlight because whisky is back in business! A spirit on the rise, many Brighton pub and bar owners are working exhaustively to offer the most extensive range to their customers. Some of the venues below offer hundreds of whisky options, you heard us, hundreds! That’s a lot.
So, whether you’re a connoisseur or happy with a Jack Daniel’s, there’s little risk of there not being the right whisky for you. And if you are wondering why the spelling of whisky alternates from whisky to whiskey that’s a case of geographical location. We have rumoured to believe (fine Google told us) that whisky refers to Scottish, Canadian or Japanese grain spirits, and whiskey is grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. But in a nutshell, it’s still the same sweet, delicious stuff!
Wondering where you can drink whisky in Brighton?
Below are our top five Brighton establishments, where you can find the best ranges, best customer service and lots of other fellow whisky lovers. Who knows maybe you will fall in love after ordering the exact same whisky as the person next to you. Of all the whisky joints in all the towns in the world, she walks into mine etc. you all know the drill.
Stranger things have happened…
Brighton Rocks, Kemptown
Yes, we all know Brighton Rocks!, but that’s not what we are trying to get at here. Located in Kemptown, Brighton Rocks is an extremely trendy New Orleans-inspired bar known for its fun atmosphere – and oh yes! – let’s not forget, its range of whisky. Excellent service, classic drinks and a fantastic range of cocktails make this one of the bars you must visit during your time in Brighton.
Bourbon whiskey is the bar’s speciality, and this makes up the majority of its 120 different whiskeys/whiskies from over 22 different countries. Wow – that really does rock! The bar also has an enviable selection of craft beers, and organic wines and provides hot drinks including coffees, teas and hot chocolates. I’m sure it will also knock up a hot toddy if that’s what you fancy after a stroll on Brighton beach, which is just a stone’s throw away.
This venue can be hired for up to 30 people except for Fridays and Saturdays, and there are quiz nights, open mic nights and other events held throughout the week. Happy Hour is available from 5 pm to 7 pm from Monday through to Thursday which allows punters to purchase two for £12 on selected cocktails.
On its Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/brightonrocksbar/) you can see the wonderful range of whiskies on offer and the beauty of each and every whiskey bottle. There is also an announced Whiskey Wednesday bourbon of the week if you need some help in deciding how to choose from their extensive list. This is a fun, LGBTQIA+ friendly space, and a hidden whiskey gem that you should hunt out at all costs!
Website: https://brightonrocksbar.co.uk/
Address: 6 Rock Pl, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1PF
Cut Your Wolf Loose, North Laines
With literally hundreds of whiskies from around the world on offer, there is no better place in Brighton to visit if you are a whisky connoisseur. Cut Your Wolf Loose does a number of its very own whiskies, along with options from countries including America, Scotland, England, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and Sweden.
The founders of Cut Your Wolf Loose see whisky as a drink to have fun with rather than being pretentious. This is represented in the joint’s décor, which has an alternative, Brighton feel rather than an exclusive stuffy lounge sterility. Collaborating with whisky makers, street artists and hard-core whisky lovers has made this 250-year-old shop a cult destination.
There are hundreds of whiskies to try by the glass, including a stunning selection of single-cask bottles to buy and other memorabilia for whisky enthusiasts. There are dozens and dozens of single malt scotches on offer with a wide range of blended scotches too. Live music events and whisky tastings are held throughout the month and their Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/cutyourwolfloose/) has a platform for bar staff to choose their favourite whisky of the month.
Whether you are going there to try, drink or buy, the expertise of the staff is second to none and they will always be there to throw advice or a sample your way. They also have prize offers and competitions on their Instagram page for dedicated whisky fans.
Website: https://cutyourwolfloose.com
Address: 23 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EQ
Great Eastern Brighton, North Laines
Another venue specialising in whisky is the Great Eastern Brighton pub in the bustling North Laines. This small, intimate corner pub has a big heart and old-fashioned charm. It is the sort of place where you can waste away hours over the winter months or when the weather turns sour.
One thing that will never turn sour though is the pub’s selection of single malts, blended whisky and American bourbon and rye. There’s whisky from Scotland and Ireland, along with the more familiar brands of Jack Daniel’s and Jameson. A delicious-sounding Jack Daniel’s Apply Liqueur Whisky is on the menu, and you can enjoy the whiskeys neat or with a dash of coke or another mixer of your choosing.
The pub also has an impressive range of cocktails, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beers with its very own wine menu. Music events are held here every weekend with an impressive list of DJs frequenting the pub with a range of music including reggae, funk, Latin and hip-hop. When the DJs aren’t in the house, the staff soundtrack the pub with the best of blues, country, jazz, swing, soul and rock and roll. Therefore, whether you are a whisky or music fan, this is the place for you!
Website: https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/the-great-eastern-brighton
Address: 103 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ER
Waggon and Horses, north laines
Another pub known for its range is this lively venue located a short walk from the Royal Pavilion. A larger venue than the others, there is plenty of space for large groups both inside or on the pleasant outside patio area at the front. The central location makes it convenient for Brighton visitors, and it is also the perfect place to watch the world go by, as there is always something interesting to see when you are in Brighton.
Late-night openings on Fridays and Saturdays give visitors even more time to choose from its excellent range of single malts, whisky, whiskey, bourbon and rum. The pub has been recently refurbished so it is impressive, modern and clean and the bar staff are friendly and helpful. There is a range of price budgets for the whisky, with some eye-watering premium whiskies available for those who are able to flash the cash.
Even whisky connoisseurs will be impressed with a range of whiskys that hail from all over the world with various strengths and blends to choose from. The range of single malts is particularly impressive, which makes this an essential stop for any whisky drinker visiting Brighton. Due to it being an old-fashioned public house, the Waggon and Horses do not sell food or hot drinks and children are not allowed inside the pub but can sit outside. Doggies are welcome though! But don’t give them any whisky.
Address: 109 Church St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UD
The Whisky Shop, south Laines
Bars and pubs are not the only places to get your hands on the best whisky in town, with this shop giving visitors the opportunity to take some whisky home with them after their time in Brighton. There’s nothing better than a good bottle of whiskey (or three) to remind yourself of your time in the UK’s most fun and welcoming seaside resort.
The Whisky Shop is located in the tourist heart of Brighton, close to the Pavillion and the seaside. It has one of the UK’s largest and varied catalogues of whisky so it might take you an hour or so to work out exactly what whisky you want to leave with. The staff are extremely knowledgeable about this particular spirit and will have the details you need to make the perfect choice. If you are really nice, they might even give you a tasting here or there to help you along the way.
And remember no question is too silly. Not everyone knows the finer details about whisky – so if you want to find out more about the right spelling of whisky then this is the perfect place to ask. There isn’t just a good selection of whiskies here but also of whisky glasses and other whisky memorabilia that will make perfect gifts for loved ones back home.
Website: https://www.whiskyshop.com/shops/the-whisky-shop-brighton
Address: 64 East St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HQ
