True to its name, Whiskey Alley in Aiken hosts an extensive selection of whisk(e)ys—about 150, if I were to guess. While most of their whiskeys are bourbon, the backlit shelves also feature rye whiskey, single malt Scotch whisky, Canadian whiskey blends and Japanese whisky.
So, how does one choose?
The Naked Epicurean: Solé Is the Place for Mules
I allowed my server, Nick, to select one, leaving me to decide only how it would be served–neat, on the rocks or with water. While my preference is neat, I asked for rocks. Why? I was curious about the ice because ice matters.
I am happy to say, it did not disappoint. My handcrafted Kentucky bourbon—Elijah Craig—came with a two-inch block of ice, ideal for chilling without diluting the spicy caramel notes of this small batch bourbon.
If, however, whiskey is not your thing, allow me to also share something especially appealing during balmy Southern summers—Whiskey Alley Slushies. The flavors rotate, but on the day of my visit these concoctions were available:
▪︎ On the Battery consisting of gin, lemon juice, sugar and prosecco
▪︎ Coming in Hot made from tequila, jalapeño syrup and pineapple juice
▪︎ Lovely Bunch of Joe Nuts with coconut rum, OJ and lime juice
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▪︎ WaLuigi comprised of blueberry lavender vodka, sugar, lemon and prosecco
▪︎ Donkey Stable, which is a slushy vodka mule
▪︎ Amp the Alley made from bitter orange vodka, lime, sugar and Sprite.
Whiskey Alley also has a nice selection of wines and beers as well as a very attractive brunch cocktail menu, including a bottomless mimosa bar with orange, grapefruit, cranberry and peach juices.
Sit inside at the bar or at a table, on the covered patio, or in the alley. When nights are chilly, there’s even a fire. You have lots of options at Whiskey Alley. It’s hard to go wrong.
Whiskey Alley, 227 The Alley S.W., Aiken, S.C. is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (803) 226-0579 for more information.
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean.
