Lock & Key Whiskey Bar - Baton Rouge, LA

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Quickly and not so quietly, Lock and Key Whiskey Bar has established itself as a local mecca of everything whiskey. Right before the cold and ice set in across Baton Rouge, 225 Dine had a chance to speak with co-owner Arthur Lauck about a few unique options for those interested in discovering new whiskeys, bourbons and scotches. "There are such a wealth of experiences out there," Lauck says. "There are lesser-known options, too, that should be in everybody's whiskey vocabulary with amazing, nuanced flavors at an affordable price range." Up first on 225 Dine's tasting list was the Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, which Lauck describes as "surprisingly fantastic." "Everybody has had an experience with Evan Williams—good, bad or otherwise," he says. "The single barrel is the limited edition bourbon they do every year that, on its own, is wonderful and delightful." While the first sip provides a bite of flavor—woodiness, caramel and a little orange peel—the single barrel also hits you with a burst of spice. "This guy drinks well above its price point," Lauck says.

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