Bar
Unclaimed profileHearsay, A Cocktail Bar
Cary, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Hearsay, tucked behind The Matthews House in downtown runs a cocktail bar with serious range: classic Old Fashioneds, lavender-and-lemon vodka signatures, a peach soju number, and spritzes. The wine program extends to terrace tastings featuring Sonoma and South African producers. Canned local craft beer and a small mocktail section round out the list. Prices stay friendly, with most cocktails under $15.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Old Forester 86 Bourbon classic at $13, then move to the Liberty & Plenty vodka with lavender syrup ($14). For something unexpected, order the SOJU cocktail with Gorae peach soju ($10).
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail traditionalists will appreciate the classic builds, while adventurous drinkers can explore soju and spritzes. Wine enthusiasts should target the terrace tastings. The mocktail section gives nondrinkers a real option.
- When should I go?
- Evenings on the terrace are ideal for wine tastings, which are announced periodically. The bar suits a late-afternoon or evening stop for cocktails.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $10 to $15; canned beers run $5 to $8; a glass of white wine starts around $10. The California wine tasting ticket is $10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A cocktail menu that mixes classics with soju and lavender-forward signatures, plus a wine program that hosts themed tastings on the terrace, including South African and California flights. The setting behind The Matthews House adds to its hideaway character.
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 well-rounded list of classics, signatures, spritzes, and soju drinks. The Old Forester classic and lavender vodka signature show range, while the SOJU cocktail adds an unexpected twist.
Menu strengths
- — Classic cocktails with proper builds, like the Old Forester 86 with muddled cherries and bitters.
- — Creative signatures using local spirits like Liberty & Plenty State Belt Vodka and Cap & Cane rum.
- — A surprising soju-based cocktail that broadens the menu beyond standard bar fare.
Standout selections
- — Old Forester 86 Bourbon Classic – muddled cherries, sugar cube, orange & aromatic bitters ($13).
- — Liberty & Plenty State Belt Vodka – lavender simple syrup, lemon, club soda ($14).
- — SOJU – Old Forester 86 Bourbon, Gorae peach soju, lemon, simple syrup ($10).
- — Four Roses Bourbon (SB) – hot honey syrup, lemon, bitters ($15).
Pricing: Cocktails range from $10 for the SOJU to $15 for the Four Roses bourbon; classics like the Old Forester 86 are $13.
Wine
Diverse wine list spanning Italy, France, California, and Oregon, with whites, rosés, oranges, bubbles, and reds. Regular terrace tastings feature themed flights, such as California and South African wines, and a wine pairing dinner was well-received.
Menu strengths
- — Regular wine tasting events on the terrace, including California and South African flights.
- — Wide regional coverage with options from Italy, France, California, and Oregon.
- — Community praise for a wine pairing dinner with Chatham Street Wine Market.
Standout selections
- — White wine from Basilicata, Italy – $10 glass / $33 bottle.
- — White wine from Gros Manseng, Côtes de France – $12 glass / $39 bottle.
- — Wine from Umbria, Italy – $13 glass / $41 bottle.
- — California wine tasting featuring Sonoma Bespoke, Penny Island, and John Sloat.
Pricing: White wines by the glass range from $10 to $14; bottles from $33 to $44. Wine tasting tickets are $10.
Beer
A compact but solid canned beer list with local and regional craft options from Fullsteam, Wicked Weed, and Burial, plus familiar macros. Prices are fair, and the selection covers lagers, IPAs, and a porter.
Menu strengths
- — Local craft representation from Fullsteam and Burial.; Reasonable pricing across the board.
Standout selections
- — Fullsteam Coffee is for Closers Porter – $8.
- — Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA – $6.
Pricing: Canned beers range from $5 for Modelo and Coors to $8 for Fullsteam porter and Burial Surfwax.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail section with creative combinations like orange juice, white cranberry, and grapefruit soda, plus options with peach nectar and ginger beer. Pricing is modest where listed.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail section with non-alcoholic options beyond soda.
- — Use of house syrups like rosemary simple syrup.
Standout selections
- — Mocktail with orange juice, white cranberry juice, grapefruit soda – $8.
- — Mocktail with ginger beer, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup.
Pricing: One mocktail is priced at $8; others lack listed prices.
Spirits
The cocktail menu features a broad spirit range including bourbon, rye, gin, tequila, vodka, and rum. Notable producers include Old Forester, Four Roses, Michter's, Conniption, Teremana, and Liberty & Plenty.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of spirits represented across the cocktail list.
- — Includes craft distillers like Liberty & Plenty and Conniption.
Standout selections
- — Old Forester 86 Bourbon in the classic and SOJU cocktails.
- — Michter's Rye in a Manhattan-style drink.
- — Liberty & Plenty Cap & Cane White Rum in a ginger beer highball.
Pricing: No standalone spirit prices; spirits are only listed as cocktail ingredients.
How it sits with the food
The wine pairing dinner with Chatham Street Wine Market indicates the bar's wines can be matched with food, though the current menu lacks food specifics. The classic cocktails and beer would suit bar snacks.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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