Bar
Unclaimed profileDutch Courage
Baltimore, MD · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Dutch Courage is a gin-focused bar with a menu that reads like a love letter to juniper. Over 100 gins, a dedicated gin classics section, and house originals like the Jefferson Sour anchor the program. The bar's custom cocktail service and knowledgeable bartenders get consistent guest praise. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Jefferson Sour or the D.C.O.F., which uses a Barr Hill Tom Cat gin barrel pick. For a showpiece, the 4 Little Birds blends three rums with amaro and tinctures. Gin flights offer a structured way to sample the extensive spirits list.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Gin enthusiasts will find a deep, varied selection. Cocktail drinkers who appreciate classics and house originals will also feel at home. Those seeking a well-rounded bar with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options won't be left out.
- When should I go?
- Any evening works, but the custom cocktail service suggests a quieter time when bartenders can focus on crafting something tailored. The menu includes seasonal sections, so returning throughout the year offers variety.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$15. Gin flights are $17-$23. Wine by the glass ranges $8-$14, beer $5-$10, and non-alcoholic cocktails $13-$14. Spirit pours vary by pour size.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The gin collection is the draw: over 100 bottles including genever, old tom, and barrel-aged gin, with barrel picks like the Barr Hill Tom Cat. The menu's 'Spirit Free' section and custom cocktail request show a program that takes all drinkers seriously.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A creative, well-organized cocktail menu with house originals, a dedicated Gin Classics section, and seasonal offerings. The 'Our Favorites' section showcases inventive builds, while the classics are executed with a gin-forward focus. Custom cocktail service adds a personal touch.
Menu strengths
- — House originals like Jefferson Sour and 4 Little Birds show ambition and complexity.
- — Classics section covers gin standards, from Clover Club to White Negroni.
- — Menu explicitly invites custom requests, backed by community praise for tailored drinks.
Standout selections
- — Jefferson Sour: sage-infused Hayman's 'Royal Dock' gin, Royal Combier, lemon, honey, lemon oil ($13).
- — 4 Little Birds: a blend of three rums, Capitoline Tiber Aperitivo, Sfumato Amaro, lime, pineapple gum, and tinctures ($15).
- — D.C.O.F.: Barr Hill 'Dutch Courage Barrel Pick' Tom Cat gin with cinnamon and cardamom bitters ($15).
- — Pineapple Express (Ramos): Hayman's Old Tom gin, crème de banane, cold brew, cream, pineapple, and spices ($14).
Pricing: Cocktails range from $13 to $15 on the main menu.
Wine
A compact but geographically varied wine list, with sparkling, white, and red options from France, Argentina, Italy, Portugal, Oregon, Spain, and more. Prices are fair. Non-alcoholic wines are also available.
Menu strengths
- — Regional diversity in a small format.; Reasonable glass prices starting at $8.
Standout selections
- — Maison Salasar Crémant de Limoux Brut ($10/$36) – a French sparkler at a fair price.
- — L'Ancien Beaujolais '23 ($13/$48) – a red Burgundy option.
- — El Pacto Rioja '22 ($12/$44) – a Spanish red.
Pricing: Wine prices range from $8.00 to $14.00 per glass and $28.00 to $52.00 per bottle.
Beer
A concise beer list focused on local and regional breweries, with a few national names. Styles include pilsner, lager, IPA, NEIPA, stout, and cider. Non-alcoholic beer options are also present.
Menu strengths
- — Local and regional focus supports the community.; Variety of styles covers common preferences.
- — Affordable price point, from $5 for a 16oz pour.
Standout selections
- — Peabody Heights Old Oriole Park 16oz ($5) – a local lager at a great price.
- — Checkerspot 'Fancy Pants' NEIPA 16oz ($10) – a hoppy local option.
- — Anxo Dry Blanc Cider ($9) – a cider from a regional producer.
Pricing: Beer prices range from $5 to $10.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated 'Spirit Free' section features creative non-alcoholic cocktails using ritual products, pathfinder, kombucha, and NA wines. These are not afterthoughts but crafted drinks with distinct flavor profiles. NA beer and wine are also listed.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated section with original recipes, not just sodas.
- — Use of NA spirits and wines elevates the offerings.
Standout selections
- — N.A. Groni ($14) – Ritual NA whiskey, Pathfinder NA amaro, aromatic bitters, orange peel.
- — Clear Cityscape ($13) – Giffard's NA aperitif, botanical 'gin' sirop, jasmine kombucha, orange bitters.
- — Werewolf Tonic ($13) – Seedlip Grove 42, NA aperitif, grapefruit, rose water, NA sparkling chardonnay.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails are priced between $13 and $14.
Spirits
An extraordinary spirits list with over 100 gins, plus a wide range of other categories. Barrel picks and local spirits add uniqueness. The list is described by guests as 'practically a full-length novel.' Gin flights allow structured exploration.
Menu strengths
- — Exceptional gin selection, including genever, old tom, and barrel-aged gin.
- — Includes local and regional spirits with barrel picks.
Standout selections
- — Barr Hill Dutch Courage Tom Cat Barrel Pick Gin ($8/$14) – peppery baking spice, floral juniper, hickory and tawny caramel.
- — St. George 'Merlot Cask' Dry Gin DC Barrel Pick ($7/$12) – pineapple, wintergreen, Earl Grey, mint, cola and clove.
- — Hampden Estate 'Great House' Rum ($10/$18) – a Jamaican rum.
- — Chartreuse VEP ($16/$30) – a liqueur pour for the adventurous.
Pricing: Spirit pours range from $3.00 (Underberg) to $31.00 (Whistle Pig 18 yr. Rye) per taste.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes food offerings, and the cocktail list leans toward gin-forward, aromatic drinks. The Jefferson Sour's sage and honey could complement savory dishes, while the 4 Little Birds' rum and amaro profile might stand up to richer fare. Wine and beer options provide flexible pairing paths.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.