Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileOBC Kitchen
Lexington, KY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
OBC Kitchen is a cocktail bar with a serious bourbon habit. The signature cocktail list runs from Sirius Black—made with raisin-infused bourbon—to barrel-aged classics like The Rock, a barrel-aged Old Fashioned, and Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangster, a barrel-aged Boulevardier. The bourbon menu is the main event: hundreds of whiskeys, BHG private barrel picks, and themed flights. Wine and zero-proof options are solid, and local Kentucky beers are available.
- What should I order?
- Start with a barrel-aged classic such as The Rock, a barrel-aged Old Fashioned, or He Who Must Not Be Named, which uses local Kentucky gin and blackberry-thyme jam. For whiskey, consider a BHG private barrel selection like Maker's Mark Private Selection OBC Kitchen, or a themed flight such as Get Rye'd Up.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Anyone who takes bourbon seriously will find plenty to explore, from allocated bottles to private barrel picks. Cocktail drinkers who value house-made ingredients and barrel-aged classics will also be well served. The zero-proof list gives non-drinkers real choices.
- When should I go?
- The bourbon flights and cocktail menu suit a leisurely evening visit. The rotating Cocktail of the Month gives a reason to return periodically.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- OBC Kitchen is a BHG Restaurant & Bar named after Old Bourbon County, and its bourbon program reflects that: hundreds of whiskeys, numerous BHG private barrel picks, and themed flights. The cocktail list is equally distinctive, with house-made infusions and barrel-aged classics.
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 deep, inventive cocktail list built on house-made syrups, infusions, and liqueurs. Barrel-aged classics like The Rock and Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangster sit alongside originals such as Sirius Black and He Who Must Not Be Named. A rotating Cocktail of the Month and house-made sangrias add range.
Menu strengths
- — Barrel-aged classics are a focal point, with The Rock (Old Fashioned), Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangster (Boulevardier), and The Upper East Side (Manhattan).
- — A rotating Cocktail of the Month encourages repeat visits.
Standout selections
- — Sirius Black: OBC raisin-infused bourbon, OBC bourbon-maple syrup, OBC cinnamon bitters, black walnut bitters, orange peel.
- — He Who Must Not Be Named: local Kentucky gin, OBC blackberry-thyme jam, Aperol, elderflower liqueur, Amaro Nonino, lemon.
- — The Rock: barrel-aged Old Fashioned with Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, demerara syrup, bitters.
Wine
The wine program is anchored by an extensive list and house red and white wines, with house-made red and white sangrias adding a crafted touch. Specific producers and regions are not detailed, but the breadth is supported by the venue's own description.
Menu strengths
- — An extensive wine list is a stated feature of the venue.
- — House-made sangrias are offered in both red and white versions, each with fresh citrus and other additions.
Standout selections
- — House-made red wine sangria: red wine, fresh-squeezed citrus, bourbon, honey, citrus oils.
- — House-made white wine sangria: white wine, fresh-squeezed citrus, house-infused vodka, seasonal syrup, citrus oils, bubbles.
Beer
The beer selection is described as eclectic, with a focus on local Kentucky crafted beers listed on the cocktail menu. It is a supporting player rather than a primary draw, but the local emphasis gives it a clear identity.
Menu strengths
- — Local Kentucky crafted beers are listed on the menu.
- — The venue describes its craft beer selection as eclectic.
Standout selections
- — Local Kentucky crafted beers: select Kentucky beers listed on the craft cocktails menu.
Nonalcoholic
Five zero-proof cocktails are listed, each with house-made syrups, shrubs, or other crafted elements. The range covers chai blueberry, pumpkin pie, spiced pear, vanilla plum, and peach-white tea, showing real thought rather than token options.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple zero-proof cocktails are listed on the craft cocktail menu.
- — House-made syrups and shrubs are used in the zero-proof drinks.
Standout selections
- — Bumble Bee: OBC chai blueberry syrup, OBC honey syrup, lemon juice, lemon peel garnish.
- — Night Shift: OBC pumpkin pie syrup, espresso, hand-whipped vanilla cream, pumpkin spice.
- — All Rim No Risk: OBC spiced pear syrup, poblano peppers, lime juice, orange juice, charred cinnamon stick, poblano salt.
Spirits
A monumental whiskey program: hundreds of Kentucky bourbons, American whiskeys, ryes, Scotches, Irish, Japanese, Tennessee, Canadian, and white whiskeys. BHG private barrel picks are a highlight, and themed flights make the depth approachable. Allocated bottles like Pappy Van Winkle 23yr and George T. Stagg 2020 are listed.
Menu strengths
- — Hundreds of whiskey selections span Kentucky bourbon, American whiskey, rye, Scotch, Irish, Japanese, Tennessee, Canadian, and white whiskey.
- — Numerous BHG private barrel picks, including Maker's Mark Private Selection OBC Kitchen and Old Weller Antique BHG Single Barrel.
- — Themed bourbon flights include Bourbon Virgin, Get Rye'd Up, Pass The Pepper Please, and The World of Whiskey.
Standout selections
- — Pappy Van Winkle 23yr: listed on the Kentucky bourbon section of the bourbon menu.
- — George T. Stagg 2020: listed on the Kentucky bourbon section of the bourbon menu.
- — Maker's Mark Private Selection OBC Kitchen: private selection bourbon listed on the bourbon menu.
- — Old Weller Antique BHG Single Barrel: BHG single barrel selection listed on the bourbon menu.
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