Article and photos by Erica Garza

(Photo: Tom Lawless whiskey)

From the creators of Whiskey Town and Whiskey Tavern in Manhattan comes The Whiskey Brooklyn, a dimly lit underground bar on Berry Street that offers over 60 types of whiskey.  From Scotch and Bourbon to Rye and even Japanese varieties, the selection of whiskey will make patrons think they’ve died and gone to heaven, despite the fact that they’ve descended a couple of flights of stairs to get here.

Opened on August 30, 2010, The Whiskey Brooklyn envelopes its drinkers with a prohibition-era, yet modern vibe. Surrounded by exposed brick, flat-screen TVs and secluded candlelit booths, guests can sip their drinks in a laid-back reverie or take to some onsite activities like foosball, pool or classic video games.

One must-have item is the family-made Tom Lawless whiskey for $8, smooth enough for beginners but satisfying enough for the seasoned connoisseur.  And for those snake poison novices, The Whiskey Brooklyn kindly offers “pickle backs” and “spicy backs,” which are shots of Tom Lawless whiskey chased with shots of pickle juice, purchased from vendors on the Lower East Side.

Anti-whiskey customers who’ve simply stumbled upon The Whiskey Brooklyn by some fluke, will appreciate that the bar additionally offers light and dark draft beer, Miller High Life bottled beer and various cans from Bud to Newcastle.  Wine and champagne are also available for the extra-classy.

For grumbling stomachs, The Whiskey Brooklyn offers a full menu of appetizers like pickles, mozzarella sticks and chicken wings and entrees like pizza, tacos, Coney (Island) dogs and sandwiches. And there’s no better way to supplement a night of drinking whiskey than with a Hostess cupcake, available at all hours for $3 with a shot of milk or $7 with a White Russian shot.

You don’t have to head to the Deep South to enjoy fine whiskey. .

The Whiskey Brooklyn | 44 Berry Street at North 11th Street | Williamsburg