Restaurant
Unclaimed profileWits End Saloon
Timonium, MD · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Wits End Saloon stakes its reputation on whiskey: over 100 bottles spanning bourbon, rye, scotch, and Japanese expressions, with flights that reach Pappy Van Winkle. The cocktail list mixes seasonal refreshers like the Spicy Rum Watermelon Refresher and Empress with classics like the Corpse Reviver #2. A Tuesday hospitality night cuts signature cocktail prices for industry workers. Wine and beer lists are straightforward, and mocktails cover non-drinkers, but the whiskey program is the reason to visit.
- What should I order?
- Start with a whiskey flight: the Pappy Hour flight pairs Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr with Pappy 12yr for $79. For a cocktail, the Peach Bourbon Smash uses Buffalo Trace with fresh lemon and mint. Non-drinkers can order the Faux-jito or an Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will find deep value in the flights and rare pours. Cocktail drinkers will appreciate seasonal and classic options. Hospitality workers get a Tuesday night perk of half-price signature cocktails. Groups with varied tastes can rely on the broad beer and wine lists.
- When should I go?
- Tuesday evenings, when signature cocktails are half price for hospitality workers, though the program is worth a visit any night. The bar partners with Magooby's Joke House for pre-show drinks, making it a convenient stop before comedy.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Whiskey flights are priced from $24 to $79; individual bottle prices are not listed. Most cocktails and other beverages lack public pricing, but the Tuesday special offers half-price signature cocktails.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The whiskey selection is the draw, with over 100 bottles and flights that include rare pours like Pappy Van Winkle. The bar also runs a hospitality-industry night on Tuesdays and partners with a nearby comedy club for pre-show drinks, positioning itself as a neighborhood spot with serious spirits.
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
Seasonal and classic cocktails show range, with summer refreshers and revived classics. The Tuesday industry discount adds a practical draw. Lack of individual prices and limited community feedback prevent a higher score.
Menu strengths
- — Seasonal cocktails like Spicy Rum Watermelon Refresher and Peach Bourbon Smash show fresh ingredients.
- — Classic repertoire includes Corpse Reviver #2, Dark & Stormy, and Mint Julep.
Standout selections
- — Spicy Rum Watermelon Refresher: Bacardi, watermelon juice, lime, honey, jalapeno slices.
- — The Empress: Empress Indigo gin, lime, simple syrup, mint.
- — Peach Bourbon Smash: Buffalo Trace, peach syrup, lemon, mint.
Pricing: Tuesday special: half price signature cocktails for hospitality workers.
Wine
Wine list covers red, white, and champagne with approachable labels and a few premium pours. Lacks depth or regional focus, but offers solid choices for non-whiskey drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Includes popular red blends and varietals like Apothic Red Blend and Grayson Cabernet.
- — Champagne options range from Chandon Brut to Dom Perignon.
Standout selections
- — Dom Perignon: a prestige champagne option.
- — Honig Sauvignon Blanc: a known Napa Valley producer.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Beer
Beer list balances national craft standards with local Maryland drafts. Includes a non-alcoholic option. Solid but not extensive.
Menu strengths
- — Local drafts: Manor Hill Hillside Hazy and RAR Nanticoke IPA.
- — Classic craft bottles: Allagash White, Chimay, Dogfish Head IPAs.
Standout selections
- — Manor Hill Hillside Hazy: a Maryland hazy IPA.
- — Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA: a double IPA benchmark.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Nonalcoholic
Mocktails like Faux-jito and Maple Sour provide alcohol-free creativity, and a non-alcoholic IPA is available. Limited options, but the presence of crafted mocktails is a plus.
Menu strengths
- — Non-alcoholic beer option: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA.
Standout selections
- — Faux-jito: a non-alcoholic take on a mojito.
- — Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: a well-known NA IPA.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Spirits
Over 100 whiskeys across all major styles, with rare bourbons like Pappy and George T. Stagg. Curated flights offer accessible tastings. This is the program's centerpiece.
Menu strengths
- — Over 100 whiskeys: bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish, Japanese, American.
- — Rare pours: Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Blanton's.
Standout selections
- — Pappy Hour Flight: Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr, Pappy 12yr – $79.
- — Hob Knob Flight: Knob Creek Small Batch, 12yr, 18yr – $44.
- — Wigle Room Flight: three Wigle ryes – $24.
Pricing: Whiskey flights range from $24 to $79.
How it sits with the food
The bar menu includes pub food, and while specific pairings are not listed, the whiskey flights and craft cocktails can stand alongside hearty fare. The Peach Bourbon Smash's mint and lemon could brighten fried appetizers, while a Chimay Trappist Ale would complement rich dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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