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Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey

Cincinnati, OH · $$

Inebrious Beverage Program Score: 88 out of 100

Inebrious

Beverage Program Score

Editorial review: 2026-08-30

Editor: Micah Rousey

How we score

The editorial take

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey stakes its name on a whisky list of over 100 single malts, backed by a cocktail program that leans on fresh juices and housemade syrups. The beer roster spans local crafts like MadTree and Rhinegeist, while a dedicated mocktail section and non-alcoholic beers broaden the appeal. Whiskey flights provide a structured tasting route through the deep spirits collection.

What should I order?
Start with the Smoke & Flower, a Scotch-forward cocktail with St. Germain and lemon. For beer drinkers, Kilkenny is a rare find. Non-alcoholic options include The Ninety-Seven with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. Whiskey flights offer a curated tasting across Scotch and local selections.
Who will enjoy this place?
Whisky enthusiasts will find the extensive single malt collection compelling. Cocktail fans who appreciate fresh ingredients will enjoy the specialty drinks. Beer lovers can explore local crafts and hard-to-find imports. The non-alcoholic section makes it accessible for designated drivers and abstainers.
When should I go?
This is a good time to sample a variety without a full commitment.
What should I expect to spend?
Pricing for individual cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits is not listed on the menu. Happy hour specials provide a $2 discount on draught beers and wines by the glass, suggesting moderate pricing.
What makes the beverage program distinctive?
The venue claims one of the most comprehensive single malt whisky collections in the U.S., with over 100 varieties. This is complemented by a proprietor's barrel program and a Scottish tavern setting. The dedicated non-alcoholic mocktail section is a thoughtful addition.

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

Inebrious Cocktails score: 86 out of 100

Cocktail menu emphasizes fresh juices and housemade syrups, with a range of classics and originals. Includes a dedicated Spritzers & Mocktails section.

Menu strengths

  • Freshly squeezed juices and housemade mixes and syrups
  • Variety of styles from smoky Scotch to fruity rum-based drinks

Standout selections

  • Smoke & Flower: Ardbeg 10yr, St. Germain, fresh lemon, simple syrup
  • Nicholson's Bloody Mary: signature mix, Wheatley Vodka, Guinness Stout, Stella Artois back

Pricing: No individual cocktail prices listed; happy hour offers $2 off draught beers and wines by the glass.

Wine

Inebrious Wine score: 82 out of 100

Wine list covers sparkling, house wines, whites, and reds by glass and bottle. House wines from Trinity Oaks, with other selections from Italy, France, and California.

Menu strengths

  • Diverse selection of regions and styles; By-the-glass and bottle options

Standout selections

  • La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
  • Bieler Père et Fils Rosé, France

Pricing: No specific wine prices listed; happy hour offers $2 off wines by the glass.

Beer

Inebrious Beer score: 87 out of 100

Extensive beer list with imports, domestics, local crafts, seltzers, and draughts. Includes non-alcoholic options and rare finds like Kilkenny.

Menu strengths

  • Local craft beers from MadTree and Rhinegeist; Non-alcoholic beer options available

Standout selections

  • Kilkenny's red ale; Rhinegeist Truth IPA

Pricing: No specific beer prices listed; happy hour offers $2 off all draught beers.

Nonalcoholic

Inebrious Nonalcoholic score: 88 out of 100

Dedicated Spritzers & Mocktails section with creative concoctions using housemade syrups and fresh fruits. Non-alcoholic beers also available.

Menu strengths

  • Variety of mocktails and spritzers; Use of fresh ingredients and housemade syrups

Standout selections

  • The Ninety-Seven: cranberry-ginger syrup, lime, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
  • Broadway Smash: lime, blueberries, mint syrup, soda

Pricing: No specific pricing for non-alcoholic beverages.

Spirits

Inebrious Spirits score: 92 out of 100

Exceptional spirits selection featuring over 100 single malt whiskies, plus bourbon, rye, Irish, Japanese, and more. Whiskey flights offer curated tastings.

Menu strengths

  • Over 100 varieties of single malt whisky; Whiskey flights for tasting

Standout selections

  • Macallan 18yr single malt Scotch; Hibiki Harmony Japanese whisky

Pricing: No specific spirits prices listed.

How it sits with the food

The Scottish tavern setting suggests food pairings with the whisky selection, though specific food-beverage relationships are not documented. The Bloody Mary with a beer back could pair with hearty pub fare.

Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.

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