Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileMcEwen's
Memphis, TN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
McEwen's pairs a wine bar label with a serious cocktail program, leaning on house-made ingredients and a broad spirits list. The Blackberry Smash earns guest praise, and the bourbon selection draws whiskey aficionados. Wine covers familiar ground from California to France with fair pricing. Beer remains an afterthought on the menu.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Blackberry Smash, a bourbon cocktail with mint, lemon, blackberry puree, and house ginger syrup. For whiskey purists, the Smokey Manhattan or Vieux Carre showcase house bitters. Wine drinkers can choose from a broad list, with bottles starting at $39.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking house-made touches and a wide whiskey selection will find much to like. Bourbon lovers are especially well served, given the community praise. Wine drinkers have a variety of regions to explore, though the list is not groundbreaking.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the best time to appreciate the full cocktail and spirits program, though no specific hours are documented.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $16, with bottles from $31 to $165. Cocktail prices are not listed, so expect standard city pricing.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program's use of house-made ingredients—bitters, ginger syrup, and organic cherries—sets it apart. The cocktail menu spans classics and original creations, from a Sazerac to a tiki-inspired Planter's Punch, all built on a strong spirits base.
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 robust cocktail menu mixes classics and house creations, using house-made ingredients like bitters, ginger syrup, and cherries. The Blackberry Smash is a guest favorite. Styles range from Manhattan variations to tiki-inspired punches.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of classic and original cocktails; House-made ingredients elevate the program
Standout selections
- — Blackberry Smash – Bourbon, mint, lemon, blackberry puree, house ginger syrup
- — Smokey Manhattan – Bourbon, amaro, lapsang souchong tea-infused bitters
- — Vieux Carre – Rye, brandy, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, house bitters
Pricing: No cocktail prices were listed on the drinks page.
Wine
A broad wine list covers California, Oregon, France, Argentina, Italy, and South Africa, with many options by glass and bottle. Prices are reasonable, though the list is not exceptional in depth.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple regions represented; Many wines available by the glass
Standout selections
- — Kistler, Sonoma Coast 2022 – Bottle $145
- — Caymus, Napa 2023 LTR – Bottle $150
- — Sea Sun, California 2023 – Glass $10, Bottle $39
Pricing: Wine by the glass $8–$16; bottles $31–$165.
Beer
The drinks menu includes a Beer section, but no specific brands, styles, or prices are provided.
Pricing: No beer prices listed.
Spirits
The cocktail menu showcases a wide range of spirits including bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and mezcal.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of premium and craft spirits; Community praise for bourbon selection
Standout selections
- — McEwen's Hand Selected W.L. Weller Reserve Bourbon in the Classic Manhattan
- — Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon in the Old Fashioned
- — High West Double Rye in the Alchemist
Pricing: No dedicated spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
No food menu was provided, so pairing guidance is limited. The wine list's range of regions suggests flexibility with diverse cuisines, while the cocktail program's bold flavors could stand up to hearty dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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