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We can all agree that Amsterdam is a pretty amazing city, there are so many new and exciting things burgeoning here! But, has there been an establishment that fulfilled whisky fans (like myself) and cocktail enthusiasts’ desires alike in a svelte bar? There wasn’t, until now.
In its prime location in the Jordaan and barely open a month, the secret of J.D. Williams is spreading fast. A brand new whisky bar with an ethos of ‘quality over quantity’, that’s sure to become my new local haunt. It boasts over 200 whiskies and an intriguing Pan-Asian menu that pairs perfectly with the whisky and cocktail classics they serve. A personal favourite: the Sazerac, an age-old whisky cocktail that may have originated in New Orleans, but has re-established itself here at JD Williams.
I was living in Japan for three years, that’s where I fell in love with whisky.
Passion for detail and whisky
The industrial chic bar excels with its attention to details- using Glencaim crystal whisky glasses, filtered ice so as not to mar the flavour of the whiskies and it’s pristine interior that is simultaneously minimal and hip- is the product of a husband and wife team. Despite American roots, the couple has called Amsterdam home for the past six years.
I’ve been wanting to open up a whisky bar for six or seven years.
As I sat happily at the bar, sampling a delicious Irish single malt (Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Cask), I admired the array of whisky in front of me, a few in particular caught my eye that got me chatting away to the owner. Their collection offers many Scottish and Irish powerhouses, as well as my favourites from Japan, but it also offers some far rarer world whiskies. Hailing drams from Taiwan, Canada, India and even the Netherlands! And what a surprise the Millstone whisky from Zuidam was – though young for a whisky distillery, it shows a lot of promise, he explained.
If you need further convincing to visit J.D. Williams, they are holding their very first whisky tasting on the 14th of March! As homage to St. Patrick’s day, they’re sampling carefully selected Irish whiskey. Snacks from the bar are included too; you’d be mad to turn down their sweet potato fries or chicken karaage (deep fried and marinated in Soy, sake, ginger and garlic). The event is limited to 30 tickets, so if you love that ‘ever-so-sweet burn of whisky down the back of your throat’ as much as I do, be sure to grab those tickets soon!
As they so wisely say at J.D. Williams, ‘Isn’t time you tried?’…
J.D. Williams Private Whisky Tasting
When: Saturday March 14th, 17:00-19:00
Where: Prinsenstraat 5
Tickets: €37,50 including 5 Irish whiskies and snacks
More info JD Williams website
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