The Kentucky Derby and bourbon go hand in hand. If you can’t make it to Louisville’s Churchill Downs for the 149th Derby on May 6, these restaurants and bars in our area offer bourbon flights to indulge your American whiskey dalliances. Check out these spots for a smattering of Kentucky-loving bourbon flights.
KO Distilling
KO Distilling’s Vertical Flight includes pours of its Manassas-made Small Batch, Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond, and Cask Strength bourbons for $16. Or, create a custom flight of any four of KO’s six varieties, costing $12 to $19, depending on the proof of the selections. “Flights are a great way to taste around a distillery’s portfolio,” says Aimee Cote, director of customer experience. “These mini pours provide a glimpse into the various flavors, strengths, and finishes that are available. This allows consumers to find one, or several, that they really like before committing to a full pour or purchasing a bottle to take home.” 10381 Central Park Dr., Ste. 105, Manassas
Bottle Stop Wine Bar
This Occoquan destination offers beguiling bourbon flights with 10 tempting options. Flight prices vary depending on the spirits, but guests are invited to sample a bevy of bourbons: Angel’s Envy Port Barrel, Maker’s Mark 46, Four Roses Small Batch, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, Basil Hayden’s, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Heaven’s Door, Breckenridge Port Cask Finish, and Widow Jane are offered in flights. Come for the bourbon flights, and stay for dinner at this popular Prince William County hangout. 311 Mill St., Occoquan
MacMillan Whisky Room
“Give me a chance to offer you two or three different bourbons with different styles and tastes, and chances are you’ll probably find one you like,” says owner Derek Anderson. The bustling restaurant and bar in Fairfax’s Mosaic District serves a Bourbon 101 flight, which runs $10 to $12, and offers delightful doses of Maker’s Mark, Four Roses Single Barrel, and Elijah Craig Small Batch, based on availability. A staggering number of bourbons — over 200 — are available to customize sampling flights, priced by the ounce, with half-ounce options for each. 2920 District Ave., Ste. 155, Fairfax
Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen
This spirit-centric restaurant in Fredericksburg dazzles with over 175 bourbons and whiskeys. Explore iconic blends and indie distillers — whatever fits your mood. The locale offers five bourbon-based flights for $20 to $30, including swigs of Jefferson’s Kentucky bourbon and sumptuous sips from Fredericksburg-based A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Bar manager Emily O’Lare recommends the Rebellion Single Barrel Select flight. “A lot of our flights cater to new bourbon drinkers,” says O’Lare. “It’s a great way to try something new.” 309 William St., Fredericksburg
Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar
Ever tried a flight of bourbon mimosas? Now’s your chance to sample apple, peach, and blackberry flavors to enhance your boozy brunch experience. Customize your bourbon flight by choosing four half-ounce pours of whatever your heart desires to taste. With over 300 bourbons and whiskeys, this Disneyland for drinkers earns high marks. 43135 Broadlands Center Plz., Ste. 121, Broadlands
Feature image courtesy Casther/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our May issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
