To say D.C. is a whiskey town is putting it mildly. Even the most unassuming of bars has to offer at least a middling selection of bourbon and rye. The city also excels at bars with a particular whiskey niche, whether it be Irish blends or rare Japanese whiskeys.
Here are several whiskey destinations that stand out from the crowd. Warm up here during these colder months, but remember that brown spirits are delicious all year round.
—Missy Frederick and Meredith Bethune
1 Barrel
Namesake barrels are everywhere in this Capitol Hill bar that serves craft cocktails and food from Garret Fleming. It also has a vast selection of “brown water” as it’s listed on the menu.