Root Cellar Whiskey Bar at the W Hotel in Washington DC
Located in the lower level of Pinea, the restaurant of the W hotel near the White House, Root Cellar Whiskey Bar is like a hidden gem. No really, truly hidden and you definitely need to know it is there. This place boasts a large selection of whiskey from all over the world.
Patio at Pinea in the W Hotel in Washington DC
Whiskey selection at Root Cellar Whiskey Bar in the W Hotel in Washington DC
They did not have a list of whiskey but gladly helped me pick a local one: it was a Filibuster “double cask” rye, the only one in fact that was local. Or sort of…Filibuster Distillery was founded in 2013 in Washington D.C. but relocated later in Maureton, Virginia. So, not totally local, but it will do it. Notice the name of the company that is fairly interesting considering the location and its political meaning…
Filibuster dual cask rye at Root Cellar Whiskey Bar in the W Hotel in Washington DC
Their rye is aged in new charred oak barrels, followed by a second aging in French wine oak barrels. Here are the tasting notes as described by Filibuster itself:
Appearance: Deep Amber
Aroma: Cinnamon bark, oak spice and tropical fruit play off of more classic Caramel and Vanillin aromas.
Taste: Very Rich and soft texture, Spice, Caramel, Honey and hints of Rye toast.
Finish:Warm and creamy, notes of baked apple, very long.
I admit that I prefer bourbon, but it was pretty nice. Know that since my visit in September there, Pinea went into some renovations and will reopen in 2019. Hopefully they will keep this whiskey bar that is a true find.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Root Cellar Whiskey Bar at the W - 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
