Discovering unique whiskeys at Lock and Key

Quickly and not so quietly Lock and Key Whiskey Bar has established itself as a local Mecca of everything whiskey.

Right before the cold and ice set in on Baton Rouge’s highways, 225 Dine had a chance to speak with co-owner Arthur Lauck about a few unique options for those interested in discovering new whiskeys, bourbons and scotches.

“There are such a wealth of experiences out there,” Lauck says. “There are lesser-known options, too, that should be in everybody’s whiskey vocabulary with amazing, nuanced flavors at an affordable price range.” Read the full story on what we tasted.

Up first on our tasting list was the Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, which Lauck calls “surprisingly fantastic.”

“Everybody has had an experience with Evan Williams—good, bad or otherwise,” he says. “The single barrel is the limited edition bourbon they do every year that, on it’s own, is wonderful and delightful.”

On the first sip, you’ll get a bite of flavor—woodiness, caramel and a little orange peel. Then, the single barrel hits you with a burst of spice.

“This guy drinks well above its price point,” he says. “You shouldn’t have that much caramel, honey, sweet oak and spice for that price.”

The next drink we tasted was the Aberlour A’Bunadh Cask-Strength Single Malt, priced at $68.99 per bottle. With a high alcohol percentage, this scotch has a complex flavor range, featuring cherry, dried fruits and even a bit of cocoa.

“This scotch lingers and the entire flavor experience goes and goes,” he says. “A less complex scotch, you may drink fairly quickly. This guy’s flavor is such that I take two sips, and I’m still tasting all those notes.”

For more information on Lock and Key Whiskey Bar, click here.