Avenue’s Bar + Eatery offers curated whiskey flights

Whiskey collecting can be a fun hobby, but if you’re not careful it can get expensive really quick.

It’s important to keep in mind that drinking whiskey and collecting the stuff, while similar, are distinctly different activities. While all whiskey collectors are typically drinkers, not everyone who enjoys sipping brown spirits sees the value in stashing a few bottles to enjoy later.

That’s changed a bit as American bourbon and Japanese whiskey have surged in popularity, driving prices up and making particular brands especially difficult to acquire. Instead of picking up one bottle at retail, some customers will clear the shelves of four to six bottles — or more — of the same booze. A lack of government oversight has also resulted in a thriving illegal secondary market where individuals can flip bottles and collect hundreds or even thousands of dollars in profits.

I’ve met people like this who will buy out a store based on the hype surrounding a particular bottle without actually having tried a drop of the stuff before purchasing it. These collectors are all about the money and usually have no intentions of opening a bottle to drink, which can be incredibly frustrating for those who want to do so but can’t find anything on the shelves.

So what do you do when the whiskey you want to try isn’t readily available on store shelves? Your only other option is to hit up a bar, but who wants to risk buying a standard 1.5-ounce shot of something you’ve never tried before? Taste testing can get pretty expensive when paying bar prices, unless you’re visiting Avenue’s Bar + Eatery on the second Wednesday of the month.

The Kaimuki bar’s new Whiskey Wednesdays promotion returns next week following a successful launch in June. Under the direction of bar manager Joe Arakawa, customers were able to taste curated flights of Japanese whiskey and scotch in an environment that encourages learning and experimentation. Avenue’s chef Robert Paik also contributed a special plate of small bites included with the purchase of each tasting flight.

“We wanted to be able to show people side by side what the experience is and what the differences are between these whiskies,” Arakawa said. “Even if you’ve tried most of these, drinking them side by side with other whiskies gives you a greater understanding and appreciation for them. With the food pairings, it allows you to explore with your palate as well.”

Last month’s event featured more than a dozen types of whiskey, from the widely available Glenmorangie 10 to the highly allocated (and expensive) Hibiki 21. Flights were designed with anywhere from three to six pours at a time, with prices all in the $35 to $45 range. Other bottles served that night included Hibiki Harmony and Hibiki 17, both 12- and 18-year-old expressions of Yamazaki and Hakushu, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, Ardmore Legacy, and Laphroaig’s 10-year along with its Quarter Cask offering.

“Even if you’re experienced in drinking these whiskies, our tasting night is a great way to try something without having to buy a whole bottle or even a whole pour,” Arakawa said. “It’s a good way to see the differences and subtleties in nuances between the regions and then taste them for yourself.”

What I also enjoy about a tasting night like this is how it attracts other like-minded individuals. Bottle flippers, look elsewhere; Whiskey Wednesdays is all about drinking your liquor and expanding your tasting experience. Next week’s tasting should be a lot of fun, too, as Arakawa brings out the big guns with a “Bourbon vs. Rye” showdown.

“We want to keep things fresh and offer something different each month to appeal to different crowds,” Arakawa said. “Bourbon and rye are really hot right now, so it’s exciting because it’ll allow us to showcase different spirits.”

Next week’s tasting will feature bourbon from Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Knob Creek, Bulleit and Wild Turkey. In addition, guests will be able to try rye whiskies including Alberta Dark Batch, George Dickel, Old Overholt and Ri. I’m especially excited about Arakawa’s “The Decades” flight ($35), which spotlights bourbon at least 10 years old and includes 1-ounce pours of Knob Creek 10, Michter’s Small Batch, Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve and Bulleit 10.

Keep your calendar open on Aug. 10 as well — Arakawa said next month’s tasting will be themed “Size Matters,” with guests set to be introduced to a variety of small-batch, cask-strength and single-barrel whiskies. Call 744-7567 for reservations.

Jason Genegabus tracks the local bar and drink scenes in “Barfly” every Friday in TGIF; read his blog at inthemix.staradvertiserblogs.com Opens in a new tab.