Q:  I want to expand my knowledge of various whiskeys. Which Charlotte bars and restaurants should I go to?

Tom: Welcome to the whiskey fellowship. A number of Charlotte-area bars and restaurants offer a wide range whiskeys (some without the “e”) for you to explore. Two that immediately come to mind are The Crunkleton in Elizabeth and Dot Dot Dot in Montford Park. Both offer bottles you won’t find in most places, including some private barrel options, to go along with some top shelf whiskey cocktails, such as the scotch-based Penicillin at The Crunkleton and DDD’s stellar Hot Box smoked old-fashioned. The Crunkleton especially has some historic vintage offerings you can sample. You’ll definitely pay for that privilege, but education is priceless. The Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar on the South End/Dilworth border has a nice collection and a great spot to double indulge in both the bar’s namesake old school pleasures. Sitting on the rooftop at Whiskey Warehouse in Plaza Midwood is a fun spot to enjoy their whiskey flights, especially on these late summer/early fall days. Also check out WW’s Single Barrel Room. Uptown’s The Cellar at Duckworth’s has this Prohibition vibe going and can bring you a unique sip or two along with some classic whiskey cocktails, including my personal favorite the Vieux Carre.

Q: What can you tell me about the new restaurant going into the old Vana space?

Tom: B-Side Group, owners of the neighboring Vinyl, have taken the spot and are in the process of turning it into The Story of Mi Cariño, a Mexican cuisine concept under executive chef Hector González-Mora of Noche Bruta fame. There’s still a bit of work to be done there, so it don’t look for it to open for a few months yet. Get more details here.

Have a question for us? Email us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it on our next Concierge Thursday!