Restaurant
Unclaimed profileHammer & Ale
Memphis, TN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Hammer & Ale stakes its bar on a deep bourbon shelf and a rotating 23-tap draft list, but the cocktail program stays modest with two house pours. The bourbon selection, from Blue Note 9 Year to Woodford Reserve, gives whiskey drinkers real range. A Cocktail Saturday special shows some ambition, though the everyday cocktail menu remains thin. For a craft beer bar, the spirits are the more serious side.
- What should I order?
- Bourbon drinkers should start with Blue Note 9 Year, a standout among the seven listed bourbons. The Hammer & Ale Old Fashioned offers a house-style cocktail if you're not in a neat-pour mood. Non-alcoholic options like Untitled Art Orange Peel Witbier provide a lighter choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the range from Blue Note 9 Year to Woodford Reserve Rye. Craft beer fans are also covered, with a rotating draft list featuring local and regional breweries. Those seeking a specific cocktail menu may find the two house options limited.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bourbon list stands out with seven named selections, including Blue Note 9 Year and Borchetta Bourbon. A weekly Cocktail Saturday event adds a rotating special, like the 'Orchard Floor' with plum oleo, gin, and blanco vermouth. The venue also claims recognition as one of the best craft beer bars.
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
The cocktail menu is small but includes two house-made standards—Hammer & Ale Negroni and Hammer & Ale Old Fashioned—plus a rotating Cocktail Saturday special. The special, 'Orchard Floor', uses plum oleo, gin, and blanco vermouth, showing some creativity. However, the everyday list lacks breadth.
Menu strengths
- — House-made cocktails are featured, including a Negroni and an Old Fashioned.
- — Cocktail Saturday events introduce creative specials like the 'Orchard Floor' with plum oleo.
Standout selections
- — Hammer & Ale Negroni; Orchard Floor (Cocktail Saturday special)
Pricing: No cocktail prices listed.
Spirits
The spirits program emphasizes bourbon, with seven named selections from Blue Note 9 Year to Woodford Reserve Rye. A single tequila, Milagro Silver, rounds out the list. Guests praise the bourbon quality, and the selection offers enough range to satisfy both newcomers and enthusiasts.
Menu strengths
- — Seven named bourbons include premium and approachable options.
Standout selections
- — Blue Note 9 Year — Bourbon; Woodford Reserve — Bourbon
Pricing: No spirits prices listed.
How it sits with the food
The menu pairs panini sandwiches with craft cocktails and wine, suggesting the bar program is designed to complement the food.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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