Whisky: The Animal

WHISK(E)Y TALK

Kick back and relax in the earthy space that is The Animal. Grab a cider/whisky match or a single malt whisky sour, find a spot on the breezy balcony and watch the sun go down as King Street bustles beneath you. The crowd is eclectic; you’re likely to be in the company of inner-west locals, artists, musicians, students and young professionals.

Once it gets dark, The Animal morphs into a bit of a party (animal), with the tunes – mostly dirty blues, rock, earthy southern soul and smooth blues – getting louder and the clinking of glasses more prominent. Settle into a booth and sample a Japanese malt on an ice block, or an Australian whisky with some chilled water.

174 King St, Newtown
02 8070 2424 newtownhotel.com.au

Like to see what you can order? The back bar is a wall of whiskies highlighted by The Animal’s neon sign. American and Scotch whiskies make up a fair chuck of their range (soon to include more than 100 options!), but Australian and Japanese whiskies are showcased too. For those adventurous drinkers keen to explore more than the classics, The Animal offers some interesting stuff with different barrel finishes and old age statements. They’re also putting together a boilermaker menu where they will match incredible whiskies with cracking beers. But don’t feel overwhelmed if you’re a whisky beginner: the passionate bar team are a bunch of whisky diehards who love to have a yarn and help out with choices.   

FOR EATIN’

Coal-roasted meat is The Animal’s specialty. They have a whole lamb on the rotisserie daily, served right off the bone. Whole chicken and hand-tied pork shoulder are also daily favourites. And last but not least, the beef short ribs and house-made pita and tangy tzatziki are winners, too.

OUR DEAL

Get 25% off a selected whisky on Whisky Wednesdays. Also, every month guests will be invited to sample a particular style of whisky; a brand ambassador will host the evening and teach you about different drams.