Brandy Library - New York
This week, I'll revisit some of the Whisky bar reviews I've done.
Mom, I'll be at the library
(originally published February 20, 2006)
On my last trip to New York, I asked several industry guys about the
best whisky bars in the city. A number of destinations were offered up
for my consideration - but the one mentioned most often was the Brandy
Library.
If I were to imagine the perfect upscale lounge, Tribeca-based Brandy Library would be it. The place oozes suave ambiance - the deep woods, soft lighting, and rich leather made me feel under-dressed, yet strangely at home.
But while the decor is nice, for the Scotch lover the draw is the impressive selection. The Scotch collection at the Library numbers somewhere around 270 different labels - second only to the selection of over 290 brandies. I counted over 235 single malt expressions on the menu. Nice.
And Flavien Desoblin, Director of Operations tells me that the single malt selection is about to get even bigger with the addition of the Gordon & MacPhail and Murray McDavid lines.
Considering I have more bottles in my own Scotch cabinet than the
best stocked restaurant in my area, I savor the opportunity to try
something new - and with 235 to choose from, I can.
The attraction doesn't end at the beautiful interior and the incredible Scotch menu - their special events, particularly Single Malt Seminars, Tasting Fridays and Single Malt Saturdays, are the real reason you should check them out.
Flavien tells me:
Single Malt Saturdays is a free presentation and opportunity to sample some of the newest additions to our selection, and Classics that we feel are important to revisit and /or compare to the new ones. The tasting is pretty casual and lead by our Spirit Sommelier Ethan Kelley. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Saturday.
As for the Tasting Fridays, I know for sure that we will have Lorne MacKillop from MacKillop's Choice on April 5th, Denis Lesgourgues from the Armagnac Laubade on March 9th.
Tasting Fridays are NOT limited to Scotch, and sometimes there are surprise guests - for example on the night I'm writing this (2/17), I know Ronnie Cox (Glenrothes) showed up for a special, unscheduled tasting.
As if that were not enough, you can store your own bottle of your favorite Scotch at the Library and it will be waiting for you whenever you visit. THAT is a service I could learn to like.
While talking about the Brandy Library, Flavien says:
As far as the place itself is concerned, this is my baby and I am the major owner of it. A passion for wines and spirits in general turned into a deep desire to sink into the brown spirits and here I am.
The current success of the place has a lot to do with the work of my Spirit Sommelier Ethan R. Kelley and the rest of the team!
Is Brandy Library cheap? No. But what in New York is? (Speaking as a guy who dropped $40 on lunch at Nobu around the corner). Still, I'll be back in April (WhiskyLive), I have my eye on that 1969 Oban :).
The Brandy Library
25 N Moore Street
New York, New York 10013
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