Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileRipplewood Whiskey & Craft
Ardmore, PA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft leans hard into its name: over 200 whiskeys, a cocktail list that runs from a honey-kissed Ripp Old Fashioned to a Thai-basil Peridot, and a happy hour that drops cocktails to $8. The spirits program is the clear centerpiece, with flights spanning single barrels, Japanese whiskies, and wheated bourbons. A smaller but credible wine list and a serious non-alcoholic section round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Ripp Old Fashioned, a bonded bourbon, honey, and bitters build that patrons single out. For breadth, a whiskey flight offers curated comparisons; the Japanese Whisky flight ($45) and the Wheated flight ($25) show range. Happy hour brings the Old Fashioned to $8 and wine to $7.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will find a deep catalog and flights designed for exploration. Cocktail drinkers will appreciate a menu that spans classics and originals. The non-alcoholic section, including a Phony Negroni and a Hugo Spritz, makes it a fit for designated drivers and abstainers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is the time for value, with cocktails at $8, wine at $7, and N/A beers at $5. Evenings are best for the full spirits list and flights.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Happy hour cocktails run $8-$9; whiskey flights are $25-$50. Bottles of wine range from $50 to $200, and premium pours like Yamazaki 18 are priced at $80 for 1 oz.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The whiskey program is the draw: more than 200 selections and eight curated flights that cover single barrels, Scotch, American single malts, and Japanese whiskies. The cocktail list is equally thoughtful, with house originals like the Peridot and a dedicated non-alcoholic menu that includes a Phony Negroni.
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 spans classics and originals, from a Ripp Old Fashioned and Manhattan to a Thai-basil Peridot and a Jack Rose with house-made grenadine.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of styles, from bonded bourbon classics to vodka-saffron originals.
Standout selections
- — Ripp Old Fashioned: bonded bourbon, honey, bitters. A patron favorite.
- — Peridot: gin, Thai basil, herbal liqueur, lime. A savory twist.
- — Jack Rose: bonded apple brandy, lemon, lime, house-made grenadine.
Pricing: Happy hour cocktails $8-$9; no regular menu prices available.
Wine
A compact but curated bottle list covers sparkling, white, rosé, and red, with standout picks like Moët Grand Vintage 2015 and a Verdicchio from Marche. Happy hour offers a $7 glass of select wine.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selections with regional diversity and vintage detail.
- — Happy hour wine at $7 is a strong value.
Standout selections
- — Millesimatto Contratto Pas Dose: sparkling from Piemonte, 2019, $85.
- — Vom Berg Riesling Trocken: dry Riesling from Rheinhessen, 2021, $65.
Pricing: Bottles $50-$200; happy hour wine $7 per glass.
Beer
A diverse draft list spans West Coast and NE IPAs, a Vienna lager, a Belgian wit, and ciders. Non-alcoholic options are notably strong, with four N/A beers and a peach-mango cider.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse draft selection including local Pennsylvania breweries.; Multiple non-alcoholic beer options.
Standout selections
- — Levante Cloudy & Cumbersome: NE IPA from PA, 5.9% ABV.
- — Downeast Peach-Mango Cider: a sweet cider, $6 at happy hour.
Pricing: Happy hour N/A beers $5; Downeast Cider $6; no other prices available.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail list includes a Phony Negroni and a Hugo Spritz, while four N/A beers cover lager, IPA, and malt beverage styles. This is a serious effort beyond a single soda option.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail section with creative options.; Multiple N/A beer choices.
Standout selections
- — Phony Negroni: sparkling, rocks, pretty bottle.
- — Hugo Spritz: elderflower, N/A prosecco, seltzer.
Pricing: N/A beers $5 at happy hour; no prices for N/A cocktails.
Spirits
The spirits list exceeds 200 whiskeys with categories for bourbon, rye, Scotch, Japanese, and more. Curated flights showcase single barrels, wheated bourbons, and Japanese whiskies, with premium pours like Yamazaki 18 available by the ounce.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive selection of over 200 whiskeys.; Eight curated whiskey flights covering diverse styles.
- — Rare and allocated pours like Blanton's and Yamazaki 18.
Standout selections
- — Ripp Single Barrel Bourbons Flight: Elijah Craig, Ezra Brooks, Angel's Envy, $35.
- — Japanese Whisky Flight: Toguchi, Nikka Coffey Grain, Hibiki Harmony, $45.
- — Yamazaki 18: $80 per 1 oz pour.
Pricing: Whiskey flights $25-$50; spirits priced per 1 oz and 2 oz pours.
How it sits with the food
The happy hour menu includes snacks, suggesting the bar is built for casual pairing. The Old Fashioned's honey and bitters would suit charcuterie or smoked nuts, while a crisp Riesling or a hoppy IPA could handle lighter fare. Specific food pairings are not detailed in available sources.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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