Make it Milan: three bars and a whisky festival in Italy’s fashion-forward capital of style

Milan is a perfect cocktails and whisky destination. These three bars and the city’s annual whisky festival will help create an unforgettable visit for whisky fans

Whisky is big business in Milan, catering not only to the steady stream of fashion-conscious visitors to Italy’s northern design-led city but also to the long-term Italian fanbase for all types of whisky. 

Milan’s whisky festival is now in its 20th year, demonstrating the huge affection the Milanese have for whisky. The three-day Milano Whisky festival (whiskyfestival.it) runs from Nov 29th to Dec 1st this year and also wraps rum into its packed agenda. With special events, tastings and masterclasses, it’s an intense and culture-packed time to visit Milan.

Scotch is a big part of the attraction for the city’s residents, with the heavy peat flavours and sherry influence of Scottish distilling matching the Italian passion for flavour. But all whisky types are popular in Milan and, while drinking whisky neat is central, the Italian love of cocktails has further fuelled the growth in popularity. 

Here are three very different Milan whisky and cocktail bars to encourage your visit to Milan this Autumn:

Unique to Milan: BACKDOOR 43

Ripa di Porta Ticinese 43 – backdoor43.superbexperience.com

This cult destination on the canal bank near Ponte Alda Merini (a footbridge named after the poet Alda Merini who lived at number 48) comes wrapped in intrigue and personality. Large enough to hold a maximum of four people, Backdoor 43 is a beautiful but tiny speakeasy-style cocktail bar that you can book in its entirety. 

Knock on a tiny hatch for entry and you’ll be received into a fascinating and attractive space that’s barely big enough to be called a bar. But it’s the service and creative pours that put this tiny Italian jewel on the map. Packed with flavour and personality, the whisky behind the bar primarily forms the basis for its great cocktails.

A Local Favourite: MULLIGAN’S IRISH BAR

Via Giuseppe Govone, 28 – mulliganspub.it 

While Mulligan’s is Milan’s best-known Irish bar, it has a big Scottish footprint. As well as stocking whisky from all the major whisky producing countries, it’s officially Milan’s Ardbeg Embassy. The Islay distillery makes sure to keep some of its very best releases on the shelves of this Italian outpost and contributes to Mulligan’s growing collection of private bottlings.

The team behind this whisky house offer a huge whisky menu, with all of Scotland’s whisky regions represented, as well as a select range of bottlings from Ireland, the US and Japan. 

Mulligan’s is also Milan’s partner bar with the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, so you know you will be in good company and choosing your pours from a trusted and well-reviewed whisky menu.

A Pour with A View: THE ROOF

Piazza Giuseppe Missori 1 – theroofmilano.com

A seat on the terrace of The Roof, overlooking the Basilica of Sant’Alessandro and the Liberty buildings in the city centre of Milan, is a destination in itself. 

Savouring your favourite dram with a view that extends beyond the city’s architecture and up to the distant snow-capped Alps has become a firm favourite among visitors to the city. If you can’t stretch to a room at the hotel that hosts this luxury rooftop bar and restaurant, then make sure and book ahead for a sunset aperitif. 

Specialising in cocktails, the expertly trained staff also pour an excellent range of top-shelf whiskies, rums and tequilas. Scotch is the dominant player on the whisky menu but Japanese, Irish and Bourbon feature too. The excellent cognac, Armagnac and vermouth selection on the menu will demand your attention too.

Click here to read our roundup of the best whiskey bars in Manhattan