2020 Best Whiskey Bar in America, Jack Rose Dining Saloon
It started so well in New York city that evening of February 11, 2020, the bar being awarded as the 2020 best whiskey bar in America. But unfortunately the gold medal had a shadow…
The History
Opened in 2011 by Bill Thomas, a whiskey lover, expert and collector, Jack Rose Dining Saloon boasts about 2,700 different whiskey expressions, which positions it at the leader whiskey bars worldwide.
Bill Thomas was born in Prince George’s County, MD, quite close to where Jack Rose is now, and was inspired by his great-grandparents who owned bars and restaurants in D.C.
He started with a first bar under the name of “Bourbon” in 2002, showing already a very clear focus, in the Glover Park neighborhood of D.C., north of Georgetown. At the time, his offer was three-digit long, a good start, recognized one of the largest bourbon selections in the USA.
After reaching the drink menu of more than three hundred bottles, “Bourbon” became too small for Bill’s ambition. Jack Rose was on its way in his mind.
It has become a “must go” for whiskey enthusiasts, and the experience is great. The walls bottles-covered are offering a very unique look, and, while we typically surround our glass of whiskey with our hands, here we are physically surrounded by whiskies. Quite a temple!
A few figures to show the greatness of the bar:
At Jack Rose, on an average day, they would sell the equivalent of 28 bottles of whiskey, which, converted for a given year accounts for 10,330 bottles of whiskey or 262,000 ounces of whiskey per year. This shows the magnitude of the offering.
The owner Bill Thomas was keeping a very decent price, allowing to all to experience rare whiskies. He was seeing the place as a library rather than a museum, expecting that each expression would have at least a drinker at some point.
The most expensive pour? $1,200: 2 oz for Black Bowmore 1964 1st Edition Sherry Cask
The drink menu itself is 70-page long and offers whiskies coming from 14 countries.
Jack Rose Dining Salon at the pinnacle:
2020 best Whiskey bar in America
Bill Thomas receives the coveted award in New York.
The last experience at Jack Rose Dining Saloon
I was fortunate to pay a visit to the dining saloon in February 2020, to experience the fabulous whiskey selection.
A fantastic experience, a warm atmosphere surrounded by many bottles and other aficionados, an educated staff, an unbelievable selection of whiskies to chose from. A so enjoyable moment.
One can feel that the place has been designed by a whiskey lover. Everything leads to enjoyment as long as you like whiskey.
Jack Rose is selling off its collection
Unfortunately such a temple was financially struggling and the escalating health and then economic crisis have forced Bill Thomas to sell his cherished bottled starting Friday, March 20, 2020.
Let’s hope that the Phoenix will be reborn from ashes and will shine again!
INTERESTED IN INCREASING YOUR SKILLS IN WHISKEY?
CHECK THE UPCOMING EVENTS HERE: https://whiskey-gourmet.com/events/