>> Your guide to Dayton’s craft beer trail
Ollie’s Place
518-520 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 723-8998. olliesplacedayton.com
Ollie's Place is known for the two "b" beverages — beer and bourbon — but the month-old Washington Twp. craft beer room and eatery also boasts over 45 Scotches on its spirit list, ranging in price from $5 for a two-ounce glass of Ballantines, to $50 to sip on some Johnnie Walker Blue. If you're not ready to take on a neat Scotch though, ease into the flavor with their signature cocktail, "May The Schwartz Be With You," an original created by owner Mike Schwartz created with Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch with a sample pour of Great Divide's Yeti Stout on the side. Let your server explain the drink, but it's well worth it!
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The Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave. (937) 224-7822. dubpub.com
Though Jameson may be first on our minds when we head to the Dub Pub, Scotch drinkers have at least 30 options to choose from. True connoisseurs will appreciate the Macallan 25 year on the list, but there’s something for every level of knowledge and enjoyment.
Coincidentally, this month the Dublin Pub's hosts a cigar event paired with Scotch whisky: stop by on July 28 for four courses of delish food specially paired with Glenmorangie Scotches and Altadis cigars.
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The Pub at The Greene
39 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek. (937) 320-1199. experiencethepub.com
The Pub is already your go-to spot for all things UK, so it makes sense that you’d gravitate toward it for scotch as well. The Pub serves 19 types of single-malt Scotch alone, and selections from each of the Scotch producing areas. For the newbies, they offer a sampler of three 1-oz. pours of any Scotches under 13 years for $16.
A special treat for the Scotch and water lovers: order a Speyside-based whisky like Balvenie, Macallan or Glenfiddich, and get it served with water from the Speyside region. You don’t even have to buy a plane ticket to have a near authentic experience.
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Credit: Gabi Porter
Credit: Gabi Porter
King’s Table
2348 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek. (937) 431-1700. kingstable.co
You know what goes great with King's Table's tots? Well, actually probably not a glass of Scotch, but maybe after the tots. The Beavercreek tavern is known for its pool tables, beer menu and yes, those glorious tots, and their full whisky menu is often ignored. Choose from 33 different Scotches starting at $5 for Dewar's, Famous Grouse, or Johnnie Walker Red. Your eyes might pop a bit as you scan the menu: Why yes, that is a $500 glass of Macallan "M," a single malt containing whisky from seven different casks, the oldest distilled in 1940. CNN Money called it "the most world's expensive whisky." Now, that's a glass of Scotch.
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Century Bar
1o S. Jefferson St. (937) 223-3382. centurybourbon.com
The Century Bar is nationally recognized for its extensive bourbon menu, but they know how to pour a good Scotch as well. Order a Godfather — Scotch with amaretto — and you won't be sorry.