Great Spanish whisky bars – four head-turning bars in Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastian

Spain’s bar scene has never been more popular – from the cities to the coast, there is a bar for every style of drinker, including the international whisky fan

Spanish Whisky Bars – The bar scene in Spain is one of the most interesting, diverse and atmospheric in the world. From tapas bars to cocktail lounges, the Spanish attention to detail, flavour and style ensures an incredible experience every time.

The ever-growing interest in all styles of whisky across this huge and influential country attests to its international outlook. Wherever you find yourself, you won’t be far from a terrific pour. Here are four bars in three cities that we think you’ll enjoy.

Spanish Whisky Bars: BARCELONA, La Whiskeria

Without a doubt, La Whiskeria is the most celebrated whisky bar in Barcelona right now. This drinks haven in the Eixample district holds pole position for its location, extensive whisky menu and friendly welcome. 

You’ll find that it’s bigger than most traditional bars in Barcelona, with lots of indoor seating and atmospheric wood panelling to match its long polished marble bar-top and ever-busy bar stools.  

La Whiskeria is in its current home for around two years and was designed to replace its original location, which was eventually outdone by demand. The creative range of cocktails and extensive whisky menu saw customers queue outside its doors, and so, co-owner Kris Cowan set about dreaming up a solution – a larger, more accommodating premises that could become a landmark on the Barcelona bar scene. 

The whisky menu champions Scotland first – its shelves groan with bottles from each of the Scottish whisky regions, including many rare and hard-to-find releases.

The rest of the world is also well catered for, with all the big-name whisky makers from Ireland, the US, and Asia well represented, helping make La Whiskeria on of the most popular Spanish whisky bars. 

La Whiskeria is a 5-10 minute walk from tourist hotspots La Rambla and Placa de Catalunya.

La Whiskeria, Carrer de Casp 39, Barcelona
Open 5pm to late

Spanish Whisky Bars: MADRID, Holy Drop

Holy Drop is undoubtedly the whisky bar to visit in Madrid right now. This large and airy drinks emporium has partnered with Madrid’s Whisky Club (which has moved its headquarters to Holy Drop) to create an unmissable destination when visiting Spain’s capital.

It’s located in the Chamberí district of Madrid, considered one of the more upmarket residential areas of Madrid, putting the bar a little off the tourist paths. Consequently, you’ll find Madrileños at every turn and allow yourself a respite from the busy city centre and its throngs of visitors. 

Hundreds of whisky bottles line the walls of this industrial-chic premises,  with its rusted metal beams on show alongside lush soft sofas and turquoise-painted walls. This is a place to relax among the young and whisky-aware trendsetters of Madrid.

All whisky palates are catered for, with all the greats of Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the US on show, plus a continuous education programme of scheduled tastings, distillery visits and once-off cask pours. 

Cocktails are big business here, too, and the owner, who previously worked at La Whiskeria in Barcelona, brought all his experience of head-turning pours to the capital in this leading light among Spanish whisky bars. 

Holy Drop, Calle de Sandoval 15, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Opens 6pm to late

Spanish Whisky Bars: MADRID, 1862 Dry Bar

When engineer Alberto Martinez found his industry flagging, he turned to his next love, cocktails, for inspiration. Setting up a bar in the busy nightlife district of Malasaña in Madrid, he created a place that patrons flock to. 

After a 15-minute stroll from Plaza Mayor, you’ll find yourself at the doorway of this wonderful small Madrid bar in a trendy district full of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. 

Avid cocktail fans will recognise the name from the (possibly) oldest cocktail book ever published, How to Mix Drinks or the Bon Vivant’s Companion by Jerry Thomas in 1862. Alberto Martinez rightly credits this bible as his inspiration, not only for the bar but for what he pours inside.

Using mostly bourbon as the whisky base for his flavour-packed cocktails, this tiny but personality-packed and attractive bar also carries whisky in its wake. With a carefully-edited whisky menu, it offers all the star names from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the US and some rare releases. It has a particular affinity for bourbon and rye whiskey. 

You’ll often find Alberto Martinez behind the bar, so make sure to stop for a chat.

1862 Dry Bar, C. del Pez, 27, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Opens 4 pm to late

Spanish Whisky Bars: SAN SEBASTIAN, Museo del Whisky

Music matters at this old-school whisky palace in the centre of northern Spain’s San Sebastian. Located on the edge of the old town and a short stroll from the waterfront, Museo del Whisky claims to have close to 4,000 bottles, many of which are ready to pour. 

You’ll find every kind of whisky at this two-floor establishment, which also has a popular piano bar in the basement. Think dark wood, heavy tumblers, low lighting, and jazz surrounds to get a true picture of Museo del Whisky. 

It’s a whisky bar for grown-ups, where you can chat over rare and exciting pours without loud music or TVs, so don’t come expecting a party atmosphere. Indeed, on my last visit, I watched patrons being asked to be quiet or leave – and they were just telling animated stories at a moderate level. 

Come here for a gentile experience, to sip whisky and to quietly reflect on life – all with a superb whisky pour in hand. It’s one of the original Spanish whisky bars. 

Museo del Whisky, Alameda del Blvd 5, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Opens 5 pm to late

Do you have a favourite Spanish whisky bar? Let us know in the comments below.