Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileSavoy Taproom
Albany, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Savoy Taproom runs a serious cocktail program with a John Waters twist—drinks like Cecil B. Demented and Mondo Trasho sit alongside classics. The spirits list goes deep into allocated bourbon, including a Pappy Van Winkle vertical. Wine, beer, and a thoughtful N/A section round out a menu that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Negroni, made with Conciere gin, Carpano Antica, and orange zest, or go for the creative Cecil B. Demented with reposado rum, Yellow Chartreuse, and chili oil. For a classic finish, the Whiskey Sour uses JW Dant bourbon and aquafaba.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for inventive drinks and bourbon collectors seeking rare pours will find much to like. The N/A section also makes it a viable stop for those skipping alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13–$16, wines by the glass $10–$12, and beers $5–$10. Specialty shots are $7–$12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is themed around John Waters films, with names like Female Trouble and Desperate Living. The spirits list is equally distinctive, featuring a vertical of Pappy Van Winkle 10, 12, and 15 year.
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
An extensive cocktail list balances classics with creative John Waters–themed drinks. Seasonal offerings, low ABV selections, and specialty shots add range, priced $13–$16.
Menu strengths
- — Creative named drinks like Cecil B. Demented and Mondo Trasho show original mixology.
- — Classics are well represented with Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour.
- — A recent customer described the cocktails as very good.
Standout selections
- — Cecil B. Demented: reposado rum, Yellow Chartreuse, pickled red onion, chili oil.
Pricing: $13–$16
Wine
Wine selection covers white, rosé, red, and sparkling, with glasses from $9–$12 and bottles $38–$50. Includes organic and vegan options.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse list with organic and vegan options.; Offers both by-the-glass and bottle formats.
Standout selections
- — Frisk 'Prickly' Riesling: floral with lime sorbet notes, $10 glass / $38 bottle.
- — Cult Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: black cherry and raspberry, $12 glass / $46 bottle.
Pricing: $9–$50
Beer
Beer list features draft and cans, emphasizing local and regional breweries. Prices are friendly, from $5 Miller Lite to $10 Lawson's double IPA.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local and regional breweries like Industrial Arts and Notch.
Standout selections
- — Lawson's Sip of Sunshine DBL IPA: $10, 12 oz.
Pricing: $5–$10
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated N/A section offers creative non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and seltzers. Cocktails run $12–$15, while beers and seltzers are $6–$8.
Menu strengths
- — Creative N/A cocktails using Seedlip and Lyre's.; Non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails like the Negroni.
Standout selections
- — St. Agrestis Phony White Negroni N/A: $13.; Seedlip Pink Jeans: made with Seedlip Garden 108, $15.
Pricing: $6–$15
Spirits
Spirits list spans bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish, gin, rum, mezcal, tequila, vodka, and amari, with a strong focus on rare and allocated bourbons.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive list including rare allocated bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle.
Standout selections
- — Pappy Van Winkle 10yr — Bourbon; Pappy Van Winkle 12yr — Bourbon
Pricing: Not listed
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