Rhode Island may be the smallest of the United States, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to know where to get a good whisky. Here are some of the places we know about here in the Ocean State , plus a few places from outside our fair state. – if you know of a place please let us know about it and we’ll get it listed as quick as we can.
Bottles – Conveniently located on the Providence’s East Side next to the venerable EastSide MarketPlace. Bottles has a great selection of Wine and Craft Beers – but most relevant to this blog they have a good selection of Whiskies – Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, even Japanese. Their bourbon section is definitely worth checking out – it might be the best in Rhode Island. If they don’t have something in stock they will very much try to get for you – so if you don’t see what you want, just ask. Super accomodating – can’t say enough good things about this store. (plus they sell the tickets for the tastings so that’s a plus)
Joyal’s – Located in West Warwick, Joyal’s may have the largest selection of Scotch whiskies in the state and possibly in New England. Their whiskies range from the normal offerings to a wide range of independent bottlers and ages of Single Malts and Bourbons. The whisky is literally stacked floor to ceiling, and the ceiling is 14 foot high (or thereabouts), so be prepared to crane your neck looking for stuff. It’s a fun place to visit.
Katie Ide Graphic Design – Katie has not only designed the logo, but also every single tasting announcement. If you are looking for a professional graphic designer, Katie’s work is excellent.
Masters of Malts – a go to online resource for all things Whisky, and increasingly all things liquor related. Very good reputation and their Drinks by the Dram program is a great way to taste a whisky without having to buy a whole bottle – especially more expensive and rare whiskies.
The Malt Impostor– A website whose tagline is “The words are already there in the expression, we just drink them out”. If you want a good site with tasting notes that aren’t full of the usual “numerical mumbo-jumbo” this is the place to read about whisky. Intelligent and thoughtful writing with a healthy dose of insouciance.
Sons of Liberty Distilling – Rhode Island’s own Whiskey Distillery, distilling an interesting whiskey called Uprising. Located in South Kingstown, RI – distillery tours and tastings are available – contact them for details.
Towne Wine and Spirits – Located in Rumford, RI, Towne has a good mixture of whiskies including the standard malts and bourbons, but they also have a changing inventory of independent bottlers with a few surprises tucked away here and there.
Waterman Grille – is situated on the East Side of Providence overlooking the Seekonk River. The creative menu lets you choose from an extensive array of small plates featuring wood-fire grilled specialties and seasonal comfort food, coupled with the flavors of locally grown and organic produce, paired with a selection from the boutique wine list. Private rooms can be booked weddings, rehearsal dinners or private parties.
Liquor Stores:
Joyal’s Liquor has probably the best selection (at least for Scotch) in the state …. http://www.joyalsliquors.com/
Town Wine & Spirits in East Providence also has a good selection. http://www.townwineandspirits.com/
Restaurants/Bar:
Whiskey Republic, Jackie’s Galaxy in Providence, Tammany Hall Pub & Parlor all have good selection at great prices.
This comment was edited by the WhiskyRI team.
Matt – thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been remiss and hadn’t updated this page in a while. I’ll get them listed. I’ll have to check out the Tammany Hall and Jackie’s Galaxy whisky selection. Thanks, Thom