Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A whiskey-and-cigar bar with a serious drink program: over 100 bourbons, a creative cocktail list anchored by the House Old Fashioned, and a thoughtful zero-proof section. The wine and beer lists are competent but secondary. Customers call the cocktails impressive and the whiskey top-tier, making this a destination for spirit-focused drinking.
- What should I order?
- Start with the House Old Fashioned, a bourbon classic with cane sugar and Angostura bitters. For a twist, the Banana Bread Old Fashioned or the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. The Paper Plane, made with Angel's Envy, is a polished choice. Smoked versions are available for an extra charge.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts, cigar aficionados, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail in a relaxed, smoky setting. The zero-proof options also make it accessible for designated drivers or those abstaining.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the prime time for the full cigar-and-whiskey experience, but the bar's cozy ambiance suits any occasion. The venue is a good spot for a leisurely pour or a celebratory round.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $20, with smoked versions costing more. Beers are $7.50 to $9.50 on draft, and wines range from $10 to $35 per glass. Antique spirits are priced by the ounce, with examples like IW Harper Bicentennial at $80.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of a deep whiskey library and a cigar-friendly environment sets it apart. The dedicated zero-proof mocktail menu, including a 'No' Fashioned, shows care for non-drinkers. The antique spirits list adds a rare, premium layer.
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
Creative and classic cocktails with a strong bourbon focus. Highlights include the House Old Fashioned, Banana Bread Old Fashioned, and Paper Plane.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of signature cocktails with modern twists; Smoked versions add a theatrical element
Standout selections
- — House Old Fashioned – Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, cane sugar, orange and Angostura bitters, $17 ($19 smoked)
- — Banana Bread Old Fashioned – Elijah Craig Rye, Giffard Banana, Licor 43, black walnut bitters, $18
- — Paper Plane – Elijah Craig Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, fresh lemon, $20
Pricing: $14–$20 per cocktail; smoked versions at an additional cost
Wine
A serviceable wine list covering red, white, sparkling, and port, with both glass and bottle options. Includes recognizable names like Veuve Clicquot and Rombauer, though no community evidence specifically praises the wine program.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection across categories; Glass and bottle pricing for flexibility
Standout selections
- — Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc – $22/glass, $70/bottle
- — Veuve Clicquot Brut – $35/glass, $280/bottle
Pricing: Red wines $14–$26/glass; white wines $10–$18/glass; sparkling $13–$35/glass
Beer
A compact but well-chosen draft list featuring local North Carolina breweries, plus a mix of classic bottles. Styles range from a pilsner to a peach sour, offering something for varied tastes.
Menu strengths
- — Features local breweries like Sugar Creek and Old Meck
- — Variety of styles including pilsner, sour, and stout
Standout selections
- — The Vintage – Sugar Creek Pilsner, 4.8% ABV, $8.00
- — Cosmic Curiosity Peach Sour – Middle James Brewery, 5% ABV, $9.00
- — OMB Copper – Old Meck Brewery, 4.8% ABV, $7.50
Pricing: Draft beers $7.50–$9.50; bottles/cans $4.50–$10.00
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero-proof section with mocktails like the 'No' Fashioned and NA Black Manhattan, plus NA beers and wines. This thoughtful offering goes beyond typical soda options, though some items lack prices.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero proof mocktail menu; Includes NA beer and wine alternatives
Standout selections
- — 'No' Fashioned – zero proof mocktail
- — NA Phony Negroni – $13.00; NA Athletic IPA – $5.50
Pricing: NA Athletic IPA $5.50; NA Phony Negroni $13.00
Spirits
A vast and diverse spirits collection, with over 100 bourbons and a wide range of scotch, rye, tequila, rum, and more.
Menu strengths
- — Over 100 bourbon expressions from top brands; Extensive scotch selection including Ardbeg and Macallan
Standout selections
- — Old Forester 1920 – bourbon; Macallan 18 Year – scotch
Pricing: Antique selection by the ounce: IW Harper Bicentennial $80, Haig & Haig Pinch $60
Community reviews
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