WHISKY JOURNAL

Top 10 bars for whisky in Dubai

The Blog

Top 10 bars for whisky in Dubai

November 23, 2022

Dubai is a city that knows how to party. Whether you’re looking for a wild night out or a more sophisticated evening, the city has something to offer everyone. If whisky is your drink of choice, you’ll be happy to know that Dubai has no shortage of excellent whisky bars. In this article, we will list the 10 best whisky bars in Dubai. So put on your finest suit or dress, and let’s get started!

Nippon Bottle Company

The Nippon Bottle Company is one of the best places in Dubai to enjoy a fine whisky, if you can find it! In the typical 1920s/30s ‘speakeasy’ style, the entrance to the bar is hidden away behind a bookcase in the lobby of the
Dusit Thani Hotel. The bar has an impressive selection of Scotch and Japanese
whiskies, including super premium and special imports. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you find the perfect dram.

Whilst styled as a typical speakeasy, the bar also is also designed to reflect Japanese street culture, making The Nippon Bottle Company a perfect place to enjoy a classic whisky cocktail. The bartenders are skilled mixologists and can create any drink you can imagine. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of their signature cocktails?

Above 21

For those who visit Dubai on a regular basis or who just like a premium drinks experience, then it’s worth becoming a member of the exclusive Above 21 Cigar and Whisky Lounge based at the stunning Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel.

The whisky menu speaks for itself. Drams from the Highlands, Lowlands,
Islay, and Campbeltown to name but a few, and offerings such as the
Macallan 30-year-old, will leave you almost smelling the Scottish heather! Add to that, offerings from Ireland, Japan, America and Taiwan – and you’ll be in whisky heaven! Sit back, and enjoy the sumptuous, almost Gatsby like surroundings, whilst you drink in the incredible Dubai Skyline along with the amazing contents of your glass.

The Vault Bar

Located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the Marquis Building in Business Bay, The Vault is one of the most popular bars in Dubai. As well as boasting fantastic views of the city, it also has an extensive list of whiskies to choose from. The bartenders are passionate about their drinks and can make some excellent recommendations.

The large cigar selection means that this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day. The Vault also has a private room which can be hired for special occasions.

The Bar – Hyatt Regency Hotel

A slightly different take on a whisky bar, The Bar, located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, looks a bit like a traditional sports bar. But don’t let that fool you, they have a fantastic selection of whiskies.

This is the perfect place to come and watch the game with a group of friends, whilst enjoying a few drinks. The bartenders are always on hand to make sure you find the perfect drink to suit your taste.

Unlike a lot of sports bars, it also offers amazing views out over the Arabian Gulf and a full menu that caters to more than just slightly suspect chicken wings. The menu includes items like Wagyu beef burgers, fresh seafood and even a foie gras onion tart. So, if you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some fantastic whisky whilst also getting some decent food, then The Bar is the place for you.

The Cigar Lounge

Another hotel inclusion, the Cigar Lounge is located in The Address Hotel
in Downtown Dubai. It’s a sophisticated space, with low lighting and deep leather armchairs that make it feel more like a gentleman’s club than a bar. The drinks list is impressive, with a wide selection of whiskies from all over the world, as well as some very rare and limited edition bottlings.

The atmosphere in the Cigar Lounge is very relaxed and informal, so it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work or exploring Dubai.
And, if you get peckish, then they also serve a selection of light snacks to accompany your drinks.

Ristorante

A little slice of Italy in Dubai, Ristorante is a great place to enjoy some of the best food and drink that the country has to offer. And, of course, that includes whisky.

The bar at Ristorante is well stocked with all the classic whisky brands that you would expect, as well as some more unusual and hard-to-find drams. And, if you’re not sure what to order, then the knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you find the perfect whisky to suit your tastes.

Skyview Lounge – Burj Al Arab

Perched up on 27th floor of the Burj al Arab Hotel and enjoying stunning
views of the cityscape below, is the aptly named Skyview Lounge.
The incredibly comprehensive whisky menu literally takes you around the globe. From Scotland’s ultra-premium Macallan M Lalique, you can tour the rest of mainland Scotland and the Isles. Then sample the whisky
delights from Ireland, India, America, India, Tasmania……the list goes on! This is
definitely one not to be missed.

Floor 24

Located on the 24th floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this is one of Dubai’s most stylish rooftop garden bars. A relaxed atmosphere with enviable views across the city, which come alive at night as the neon lights below illuminate the vista. The bar has a carefully selected offering of whiskies, including a 15 year old Glenfiddich single malt.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a quiet drink and take in the amazing views of the Arabian Gulf, then Floor 24 is the perfect spot.

Bar 44

Another high-rise gem located alongside the marina. A lift will take you to the 44th floor of the Grosvenor House Hotel where you can relax and take in the incredible 360∞ panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and marina.

A comprehensive selection of both single malts and blended whiskies, will ensure you have ample choice. Attentive staff, live music and a speakeasy theme will ensure a truly memorable visit.

Zuma

A Japanese eatery and whisky bar located in the international financial
centre, Zuma is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work.
The bar has an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies, some of which are of limited availability, but there is also an excellent selection of Scotch and blended whisky to choose from and a unique rare and limited menu.

A sure hit with the younger drinkers, Zuma has a great Japanese vibe,
fantastic music and a unique drinks menu.

The best dram in Dubai

So, there you have it, our pick of the best whisky bars in Dubai. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a quiet drink or watch live sport, there’s sure to be a bar on this list that suits your needs