9 Maple Ave
If I am going out for a good drink, I head to 9 Maple Ave. This is definitely my favorite bar in Saratoga Springs. It has been voted the best scotch joint in a variety of local newspapers. They have a huge selection of single malt scotch, 158 to be exact. Ask to see the scotch book when you go. It contains all the scotch they carry divided by regions. Most of my favorites come from the islay region. They aslo have a nice selection of bourbon and Irish whisky. If you want to try something a bit different, ask to see the martini book. This has descriptions for over 250 different martinis.
The first wednesday of the month starting at 7pm, they host a small gathering for people who really enjoy whisky. For $20, you can get a glass of Irish whisky, a single malt scotch, and a bourbon. Before each glass, they explain a little about the particular whisky you are about to try. They give you about 20 or 30 minutes to enjoy the drink before they hand out the next one. Plus they have a drink demonstration where they show you how to make a particular mixed drink. Of course everyone there gets a glass. Sometimes, the event becomes a “smoker”. So for an extra $5, you also get a high quality cigar, worth well over $5, to go along with the great drinks. This is one of the very few times you can actually smoke inside. This event starts in October and runs until the beginning of Summer. I’ll see you there.
