National Whiskey Day is March 27, so this is the perfect opportunity to develop a palate for this historical and popular beverage enjoyed all around the globe.
The word whiskey comes from a Gaelic phrase, uisge beatha, which means "water of life." This lovely libation was first created by monks in Scotland and Ireland sometime around 1100 A.D. and was originally used medicinally- internally as an anesthetic and externally as an antibiotic.
In the United States, whiskey was used as a currency during the Revolutionary War, and the taxation of whiskey production developed by Alexander Hamilton resulted in a rebellion and the creation of the Internal Revenue Service!
The Tampa Bay area offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and dives with a fine selection of whiskeys to enjoy during this important holiday, so get out there and sample yourself silly! (But please drink responsibly.)
This United Kingdom-inspired gastropub at Tampa's International Plaza has a comprehensive menu of fine whiskeys, as well as single malt Scotch and single barrel bourbons. Enjoy your favorite on the rocks or in a handcrafted cocktail, served by a bright-eyed and gorgeous server in a kilt.
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Hidden away off Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, this classy joint is password-protected, so you have to call in advance for the day's secret code and a reservation. Adding to that bit of intrigue is one of the area's most eclectic menus and a well-stocked bar serving up both classic cocktails and new innovations. Pair your whiskey with one of their signature dishes like 60-spice scallops or Wagyu beef carpaccio.
Located in South Tampa, Haven is a unique establishment featuring only the freshest, sustainably-sourced ingredients and over 300 different types of whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch to tempt your palate. Try something proudly made in America or venture further in your tasting adventure and sample whiskeys from the Netherlands, France, India, Tasmania, and several other areas around the world.
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Nestled in St. Petersburg's happening EDGE District, Room 901 is a quiet hideaway, a peaceful retreat from the hustle, and the perfect place to sit back with a fine whiskey and enjoy a conversation with friends. Their well-curated and rotation selection of international whiskeys is sure to have something for everyone.
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Head over to St. Petersburg's gorgeous Beach Drive and check out this upscale watering hole that caters to whiskey lovers, champagne drinkers, and caviar aficionados. Flute & Dram's extensive collection of rare spirits and fine champagnes is totally impressive, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
An upscale music lounge in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg on Central Avenue, Mandarin Hide prides itself on the creativity of its staff and its extensive collection of top spirits. Featuring a huge menu of cocktails both classic and new, the Hide incorporates fresh local ingredients into their handcrafted mixers and garnishes.
There are so many wonderful places in our area to get your whiskey on that we can't possibly list them all, but you definitely can't go wrong heading to any of these six places in Tampa for National Whiskey Day.
Find more bars in Tampa Bay by registering on 813area, your free guide to everything the area has to offer.
Cover photo courtesy of Pxhere