The 5 Best NYC Bars for Tasting Flights

Tasting flights are one of those things that separate the amateur booze guzzler from the refined imbiber. Why have one big drink when you can have three, or four, or five? Sure, you will hopefully learn a thing or two about the flavor profile of a particular beverage by sampling its variations, but you will also get more bang for your buck. Here are some NYC bars that will help you spread your wings. By Selena Ricks-Good.

La Biblioteca

622 3rd Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 808-8110
richardsandoval.com/labiblioteca

On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., this sumptuous cocktail den below Zengo offers tastings of a different tequila or mezcal every week. For $15, you can sip at least three varieties of an agave spirit while a brand ambassador quickly schools you on the story behind the hooch.

Louis 649

649 E. 9th St.
New York, NY
(212) 673-1190
louis649.com

The promise of free drinks usually entails a crowded open bar serving watered-down cheap liquor. Making all of your gratis tippling dreams come true is the Tuesday Night Tastings series at this Alphabet City cocktail den. Pull up a stool at 7 p.m. for an in-depth educational seminar paired with a different category of fine spirits every week.

Roneria Caracas

291 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 218-6050
caracasarepabar.com/roneria.php

Looking to expand your understanding of sugarcane-distilled spirits? This Venezuelan rum bar located inside Caracas Arepa Bar in Williamsburg offers tasting flights of the spirit formerly known as "devil water." Try flights of four different rums ranging from $16-$18 and divided into categories such as "Venezuelan Journey" and "Dark and Spiced."

Jimmy No. 43

43 E. 7th St.
New York, NY
(212) 982-3006
jimmysno43.com

Every Tuesday night [seeing a theme here], this East Village ale house offers a tasting of six craft beers  for $10 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Each week, the tasting is led by an expert and usually has a theme, such as a specific brewery or a genre, such as IPAs.

Brandy Library

25 N. Moore St.
New York, NY
(212) 226-5545
Brandylibrary.com

This upscale Tribeca bar is a favorite among those who love brown spirits. Grow your affection for cognac, bourbon and scotch, for example, by trying samples from bottles that you would otherwise not have (or be able to afford). Sip six different half-ounce pours for $31-$88 depending on which brands you choose.

The Drink NYC Nightlife Archives:

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The Best New Bars In New York

Tribeca's Best Bars

The Best NYC Bars For A First Date (Part II)

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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinking and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.