The Elysian Whisky Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Enjoyable night of whisky.

First up; Batch 7 of GlenAllachie’s 10yo Cask Strength expression. Good but if compared to batch 3 which I normally consume, the impact of the Sherry is slightly muted. Still a very good dram.

Next was the Melbourne based Starward Distillery’s “Tawny #2” expression. Again a delightful dram. Well balanced influence from the wood and the sweet Australian tawny port. It’s quite a young whisky though and hence somewhat lacks complexity. Still highly enjoyable.

Third single malt up for the night was my favourite. A single Sherry butt bottling of peated Bunnahabhain. This expression was bottled for The Elysian (along with 2 other bars) by Carn Mor. A lighter Sherry influence than OB Bunnahabhain expressions ensures the peat takes equal prominence. Well balanced and most enjoyable.

Owner was behind the bar and gave excellent suggestions for the 2nd and 3rd pour. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Can’t really ask for more.

Can highly recommend this bar.

5 star rating for “food” of course means 5 stars for their whisky selection available....

Melbourne is blessed to be the home to almost all of Australia’s world class whisky bars. Elysian is undoubtedly one of them - not in terms of size but due to their great curated selection of whiskies. The owners are masters behind the bar- Kelvin and Yao have unequalled knowledge of whisky and also have elevated whisky cocktails to an art. I go to sample rare independent whiskies that they import but I enjoy watching the artistry and precision of their cocktail making. I have always drunk whisky straight but after watching I was persuaded to have my first old fashioned and highball at Elysian 4 years ago and since then I have tried others at numerous bars around the world and none have...

I was visiting Melbourne, it was late Saturday night, I was alone, and I became stranded when my phone died immediately after ordering an uber back to my hotel. The Elysian was the first place I saw with people inside, and they very kindly brought me in and charged my phone for me! I was given a drinks menu - which was EXTENSIVE - and a glass of water kept vigilantly topped up. I let my partner know I was OK, and then enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the bar while waiting for the next uber. The vibes were immaculate, the staff were so kind, and I was so relieved to find such a cozy, safe spot to wait out the storm of my own making. Looking forward to going back on purpose...