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The ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar

ABOUT

Unique for a specialist bar, The ExciseMan is equally proficient in their range and expertise in wines & whiskies.

And it doesn’t stop there - The ExciseMan attracts like-minded folks, keen to discover and experience lesser-known beverages from all corners of the world without prejudice. As we are all on a learning curve, there is always something new to share with fellow enthusiasts. The ExciseMan is not guided by brands, age statements, points or awards, rarity or price.

Our bar is designed for those who prefer a quiet and comfortable setting with classic music from the 50's, 60's & 70's played at a convivial volume that allows conversation. In essence, it's a perfect place to catch up with friends and meet for business.

Initially set up by beverage industry veterans as a whisky bar, we are now proud to introduce our wide selection of wines covering international & regional varietals.

The ExciseMan also boasts an extensive range of spirits that include Cognac, Armagnac and other Brandies, Rums (both Agricole & Industrial), Grappa & Marc, Gin, Vodka, Tequila & Mezcal, Vermouth and Liqueurs.

We are NOT a cocktail bar per se but have been complimented for our Negroni and G&T, primarily because we use only top-grade ingredients and don’t compromise on portions.

Incidentally, our parent company is Le Vigne Wines & Spirts – importer, distributor and retailer since 2002 – that establishes our ethos of dedication to straightforward quality, not to brands or awards.

Behind the ExciseMan…

Patricia BRITTON entered the wine & spirits industry in 1995 with the Jardine Group (part of Bacardi-Martini), marketing the wine portfolio which included top houses Bollinger & Veuve Clicquot, Petaluma, Brown Brothers, Taylors Port & Mouton Rothschild. She then joined another wine & spirit giant, Pernod Ricard taking care of top names like Jacob’s Creek, Wyndham Estate, Champagne Pommery & Chateau D’issan.

Holding a General Certificate in Distilling from The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (UK), Lewis Mitchell conducts press and trade events on behalf of brands that have included Ardbeg, Glenmorangie, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet & Hennessy. Having served as a judge at the World Spirits competition, Lewis has also contributed articles on whiskies and other alcoholic beverages for several publications.

Both Patricia & Lewis are on a quest to learn and discover international beverages especially those that are lesser known - from exploring the vineyards of Yamanashi in Japan to visiting Rhum distilleries in Martinique. Their latest educational tour took them to historical Cognac, then to picturesque Gascony where they studied the full production process of both Cognac and Armagnacs and then plying the length & breadth of Bordeaux to visit the top houses.

Both Patricia & Lewis were inducted into the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in 2017.

A Journey with

Whiskies

Tips for enjoying whisky:

Start off with a wee sip of the whisky neat and judge if you require a splash of water to help ‘open up’ the whisky. Remember, whiskies are bottled at various strengths for different reasons, not necessarily the optimal drinking strength.

When applying water, there is a ‘sweet spot’ for every bottling which is up to the individual. It may well be that the ‘sweet spot’ is not adding any water at all; the choice is yours.

Take your time with the whisky. We would like you to enjoy each whisky to its fullest and follow how it develops in the glass over time.