We had an extraordinary night with Flavien Desoblin, Brandy Library's owner and a limitless encyclopedia of all things brown liquor-related. Â Flavien hosted a group of us for a "rare & precious whiskey tasting" event, which was really something special. Â He is a charming and interesting host, providing a tremendous whiskey education opportunity for us, while offering wonderful snacks along with the remarkable whiskies he had chosen for the tasting. Â I cannot recommend doing a tasting like this highly enough from all perspectives. Â I also note this was related to a charity fund-raiser event, and Flavien's generosity made it all the more special. Â For those planning to visit Brandy Library just for cocktails - don't hesitate. Â I've been going for years, working my way through their menu of drink classics while appreciating the elegant atmosphere and knowledgeable and professional service.
Review Source:This is by far the most expansive collection of liquor in the city. A great spot for nightcap on any night out (especially with the guys ;). Make sure you have a decent amount of time as your cocktails will take several minutes to prepare. It has an old boys club feel that's hard to find downtown.
Review Source:This place is literally a library of fine spirits, and since I decided years ago I've wanted to become a cognac connoisseur, it is no surprise that this is my absolute, hands-down, favourite spot in all of New York City.
Amazing selection of brandies, whiskies, and classic cocktails.
Delicious small plates; not only is their steak tartare made table-side, it is the BEST steak tartare in all of NYC.
Great atmosphere, overall upscale and classy but unpretentious. I've always noticed a diverse group of people; I even often see people with chucks, jeans, or t-shirts on (gasp) next to men in 3 piece suits, so I never worry if I show up in either a cocktail dress or shorts.
The staff are so friendly and helpful and the service never disappoints.
I come here on average about once every other week and I have brought countless people in who, incidentally, have all loved it. Â There's really something for everyone (unless you have bad taste)!
I'm parked in a low, leather armchair in black palazzo pants and a white silk blouse, nursing a Bruichladdich 16, neat. Blair Waldorf's seated at the bar ordering a Sidecar, whispering to Don Draper's daughter (who's killing it in vintage Chanel), and they're looking over periodically at the Rooney sisters, who are looking deathly bored with the hedge fund suits that just asked for a bottle VSOP Martell on ice.
Ok, so that scene didn't happen. . . but it could have at the Brandy Library, which is an amber-hued, elegant watering hole for adult-children, and adult-adults. It's sleeker and sexier than your average Ivy League university club, but it retains something of their austerity and classic timbre. The "librarians" slide silently up and down the walls to retrieve bottles; the conversations occur in indoor voices.
No dress code, but if you're wearing anything below business casual, you're going to feel like a giant child.
EXPERIENCE: Â 2/07/13 Â 20:30
I was with a Manhattan local with expensive taste who read "Brandy Library" and was immediately sold. It was a nice, albiet pricey moment of serendipity.
Neither of us was aware of the policies set in place on their website, but you get the sense stepping in that you best behave and be dressed to a certain degree. I was wearing a Barbour jacket and heavy shawl sweater and I felt out of place. Pretentious? No, I respect an establishment that takes itself seriously for good reason especially when it delivers.
I ordered a Smokehead single-malt Scotch that was so overwhelmingly smokey that it literally took my breath away when I went in for a sip. I'd strongly recommend it.
If I were to go again (and I tried two nights afterwords, but they had private events) I would definitely do a flight over a single drink. I'm a novice to fine Scotch and whiskey and I it's worth a little extra money for the diversity.
PROS:
- I had just turned 24 and I was served.
- Atmosphere: Â Lots of leather and fine wood, nice lounge area.
- Very knowledgable staff.
- "Extensive" cannot accurately describe the magnitude of their drink menu.
CONS:
- I found it difficult to return to as they were either full or had private parties, definitely check in advance.
- I'm no wealthy enough to really enjoy it, but that's on me.
BOTTOM LINE:
Splurge. If I were you I'd do a flight of Scotch.
OTHER DETAILS:
- Look respectable.
I am determined to figure out if it's legal to set your own age minimum. I was exhilarated to find a library of whiskey, then quickly turned to outrage as I was turned away because I'm a month away from their 25-year-old minimum! Outside, we went to the website and buried deep down on the "about us" page, sure enough there it was.
I can handle my scotch, and have been doing so for over two years, thank you very much. I'm quite sure the sloppy bros and sorority girls that they're trying to keep out wouldn't come near this bar anyways. I hate to say that old adage of "age is nothing but a number", but it's truly not a solid marker of maturity. I know 24 year olds that can drink scotch, and I know 40 year olds that down a couple of long islands or AMFs and dance on tables.
I'm quite sure a disclaimer of the refined environment they hope to maintain here as you walk in would suffice, and worst comes to worst, you could politely ask rowdy patrons to leave. But to cut business off at the head, what a (ironically) rookie mistake.
I fell in love with this place as soon as I walked in. Beautiful atmosphere. This is a grown up place for grown ups who appreciate fine spirits. Their selection of bourbons, scotch, tequila, etc. is quite impressive. I also love that in the menu, or book, that they give you, they have an impressive list of their own tantalizing drinks (woe to the hangover because alot of them looked delicious!) plus an exhaustive list of the classics (e.g., Negroni, Manhattan). Now, I'm a champagne drinker and I love me some Kir Royale and they had that listed, plus a regular  Kir AND something I had never heard of - a Kir Imperiale. Now, I wasn't drinking champagne that night, but will definitely be back.
This place is perfect for a pre-date night drink or a night cap. It's a place to bring your parents or a business associate. It is NOT a scene. Nor is it "party central", and that's a good thing in a town that has plenty of options for rowdy times.
Highly recommend!
I had a good feeling about this place. A library of scotch, bourbon, and more. They really do have everything!
I've been drinking scotch for a while now and I thought I had it down. I had my favorites and I learned the geography of Scotland based on the distilleries of the island. That's why when I heard of their spirit school I had to sign up for a class.
The classes are usually scheduled before they open for normal hours so the place will be empty when you get in. The walls are lined from floor to ceiling with shelves of liquor. Just like a library, ladders are scattered around the room. I took a seat at the bar and the bartender started to serve drinks while we waited for the class to start. A Speyburn 10 year with peach syrup was a great complement to the hors d'oeuvres being passed around. After about half an hour our spirit sommelier, Flavien, directed us to the basement where there was a large presentation room.
Flavien went through some basic introductions and also an overview of whisky. This guy knew everything. Some obscure Japanese distillery? Yup he knew of it and how they are taking over the whisky world. Where to buy your next bottle? There's a great selection on Park Ave but for the best prices go to Jersey.
From the history of whisky to how to taste a dram, Flavien was very knowledgable and helpful. The atmosphere was nowhere near stuck up. No stupid questions here.
In total we tasted nine different scotches and they did a great job covering the spectrum. As a newbie you will walk away knowing which regions and styles you like. As a more experienced drinker you will appreciate the variety of whiskies out there. I was definitely encouraged to try new things the next time I'm at the store. The class gave a great perspective on the passion and history behind what goes into a bottle.
I will definitely be back to take more classes or just to enjoy a dram with some friends.
Oh and just a like a real library this isn't a place to knock back shots of booze and act like clowns. You can come over to my place for that kind of experience.
This place is terrible. Clearly striving for the upscale, classy vibe, but they don't have the service or atmosphere to back it up.
I was willing to look past the "reservations needed" policy -- it seems like the kind of thing that is only warranted at age-old, classic New York bars. For a relatively new place, it just seemed like a clear attempt to get to that level of "upscale" without putting in the time to build a reputation deserving of this attribute.
The decor, similarly, is clearly trying for a certain look, but went with budget materials. Sorry guys, it shows. Tacky.
Again, I was willing to look past both of those things. However things went downhill from there. I am the kind of person who tailors expectations according to the establishment's price tag. Therefore, if I'm paying $15 and over for a drink, I expect stellar service. When I asked for a recommendation for my first drink, I asked for something that struck the right note between not too bitter and not too sweet. My server directed me toward a cocktail that tasted like syrup. I already had a headache, and this was not helping. I asked for some seltzer, which I got a refill for later. Upon ordering a (different) second drink, I mentioned how sweet the first was, and did not even get an apology.
After two rounds my friends and I got the check. Everything looked fine, except for the $12 charged for seltzer. That's right, $6 a glass for bubbly water that is given out free at every other bar in NYC. I suggested to the waitress that canceling that charge might be the appropriate thing to do considering how poor of a recommendation I received for my first drink. She immediately got defensive, rude and muttered something about my having a menu in front of me and that was that.
I left furious. It's simple math to realize that deleting a $12 charge for something that costs the bar absolutely nothing is the right thing to do, in the hopes of encouraging someone not to write off the place or bad-mouth it to others.
I sent an email about my experience, thinking I would give them one last chance at redemption, and never even received a response.
Dear Brandy Library: if you want to call yourselves upscale, learn how to operate with the class, professionalism and common sense that should accompany the hefty mark-up on your very average cocktails.
Everyone else: don't bother.
With the word Library in their name, don't let this place intimidate you! Â I was hesitant at first since I thought it would be uber stuffy but I was in for a surprise.
What did I drink? Â I don't even have a clue...take a look at the menu and you'll see what I mean. Â But I do remember trying a seasonal cocktail and brandy (Pierre Ferrand?)...all with the help of the "Librarian". Â The drinks were fabulicious!
I really wanted to try their food since it smell and looked savory but I just got there after dinner and didn't want to be a fatty so I resisted. Â Next time, I won't!
Come with a fat wallet and do yourself a favor and try to expand and soak in your knowledge of spirits and cocktails while you're there because this place is LEGIT!
If you want to surrounded by bottles of quality booze in a sexy, grown up ambiance, come to Brandy Library.
Most places give a one page menu of their drinks but at Brandy Library, you are given a book. Everything is separated by type of booze, as well as a cocktail section, which makes browsing a little overwhelming (drink ALL the booze!) but enjoyable. They even do tasting flights, should you want to mix it up a little! I rarely drink Scotch and have never found a cocktail with Scotch in that I was wowed by until I sipped on my Islay Dawn. Who knew peated scotch (my favorite kind) and pear liquor are bffs!? It's smokey, tart and must be sipped slowly.
My partner in crime couldn't have chosen a better place to end our fancy night out. I love how it was quiet despite being full of people. This place seems to be the go-to place for couples and people on dates of all ages but I think this is a great place to catch up with a friend too! I'll definitely be back!
Took my fiance here for his bday for pre-dinner drinks. Â We both absolutely loved it. Â I made a same day reservation and had no problem getting a table. Â They even accommodated me when I was running late and needed to change it to a later time. Â The ambiance is perfect for a romantic date or if you're just in the mood to relax and unwind. Â It actually looks like a fancy library, but instead of books, they've got bottles of pretty much anything. Â The drink menu is a bit on the overwhelming side since there are so many options, but they have the best of the best. Â The boy ordered whiskey, while I stuck to a cocktail, but both were fantastic. Â My cocktail in particular was expertly mixed. Â The drinks aren't cheap, but they're worth every penny.
Review Source:So apparently you have to make reservations just to have drinks here. Â My friends and I came by here at 8:30pm on a Saturday and the place was full to capacity. Luckily the host was nice enough to take our number and called us when a space was available. Â 30 minutes later we were on our way to the Brandy Library!
The space, obviously, has a library feel. Â There is a fireplace and shelves stocked with books and bottles of brandy. It's quiet enough to have a conversation.
You are handed what seems like an encyclopedia of drink options. Liquors, spirits, tasting flights, cocktails, etc. Pages upon pages.
After perusing the menu for what seemed an hour, I opted for 2 cocktails: Caipiroska and the Salty Dog. Â They were very strong and original.
I really wish I enjoyed brandy. I think I would have appreciated Brandy Library a lot more, but still, a unique spot to get some drinks.
I used to come here more often, but it has been a while.
Stopped in for a pre-dinner drink around 6ish. Â Place was about half empty. Â The lady and I want a seat. Â No we don't want to sit and stare at the coat check near the door. Â Can we sit at one of the tables that doesn't have a reserved sign on it? Â Well you can't sit at this one, but you can sit at this one, on top of the table full of Euro-trash. Â I thought they didn't want to stuff people in here? Â Whatever. Â Meanwhile a couple who came in just after us was seated at the table we requested.
My Gibson was TINY.
There are plenty of other places in the area to set your money on fire.
This review is for their Spirit School scotch/whiskey class, which I'd definitely recommend if you're a scotch drinker. The class was three hours long and there was an abundance of scotch/whiskey and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
For $90 a person it makes for a nice present or date night. But I recommend signing up for a weekend class (if possible) because waking up the next morning and having to go to work is a bit brutal.
For the connoisseur or the novice, if you like Whiskey/Brandy, this is THE place to come. The host staff is very knowledgeable and helpful to make the most of your experience and exploration of their massive selection (over 700 I believe we were told). Great decor, we sat in three different areas of the library as it wasn't very busy the night we went.
Didn't get a chance to try the food as we were so entranced by their extensive menu, but will have to make it a more complete experience my next visit!
I know this is totally not "Yelp-ethical" but... as the first person you see at The Brandy Library I want to write a review about my customers tonight and about Yelp itself.
 Let me explain: I was the lucky person hired for the Maitre'de position about four years ago. After managing restaurants here in NYC for over 30 years learning the philosophy at this new place was bizarre to say the least.
My new boss did not want me to "squeeze" people into every nook and cranny so that he could make more money, he did not allow me to admit guests to the bar if they did not have a seat already waiting for them and he made it perfectly clear that groups of  6 people or more meant loud voices and certainly wasn't very library like or civilized.
In the next few months I learned that my boss's  idea of  "civilized" is not honored anywhere in N.Y.C. save, maybe a few private clubs and my job would be much harder than I thought. Business owners seem to be ready willing and able to change their ideals in the face of the "All Mighty Dollar" ... or Black Amex cards and my boss was not.
After losing my husband and love of my life, I was just looking for a job that would "get me out of the house" and out of my pajamas. What I ended up with is an amazing gift, seeing integrity in action and strictly enforced.
I soon learned that my roll was less a bout getting people in to collect their money and more about being the guardian of a sacred vestige .... Peace, Tranquility and Civility after a long days work.
Pertaining to the first sentence, this evening's guests were amazing and it was such an honor to serve such and appreciative group. Several clusters of guests knew of our more "quiet" standards and waited at neighboring establishments before returning to have a quite drink with us and I cannot thank you enough!
On any given night I only have 9-12 tables which can be rearranged to suite  parties/reservations up to 6 which, once rearranged leaves only 2 tables for two!
People seem shocked that we wont "Stuff", "Squeeze" or otherwise accommodate to take their money but there really is no way to stuff and squeeze AND be a civilized place at the same time. Does it make my job hard? Absolutely! Â If I was carrying a clipboard and wearing an earpiece most of my guests would expect to wait outside for hours but I don't think it is civilized
If I have time, I try to make my guests comfortable by booking tables and make accommodations at neighboring establishments when I can't accommodate them right away at Brandy Library. Our guests really seem to appreciate our no standing, no flash photography, quieter kind of philosophy and the ones who stay and learn from the librarians? Supreme! The best you can get! What a night tonight! Only one person was really  upset and only because she didn't know reservations would solve everything. And Yelp? .. Yelp is amazing!!! (And you know why! Thank you!)
Came here with some friends and the lady.
Atmosphere:
- Cozy, intimate environment. Â Reminds me of a cigar bar with out the cigars and smoke (not that I disprove, I love a cigar here and there)
- Back-lit bookcases and great long bar area
Service:
- Service was good at the bar could have been better but it was OK
Drinks:
- Impressive collection of scotch, bourbon and whisky
- Nice old world cocktail list
- We had two bourbon based mixed drinks - Â one a manhattan - was not thrilled with the manhattan at all. Â It was not made correctly. Â I'm a manhattan snob so this was a big turn off for me. Â When I spoke to the bar tender about it she refused to acknowledge the mishap or make a new one. Â A shame
- My other drink was a success (orange and bourbon drink)
I really liked the atmosphere. Â Next time I'll just go for sipping some straight up single malts. A unique place. I'll be back even though I wasn't a fan of how the manhattan situation was handled.
Brandy Library definitely caters to an older, distinguished crowd. We had reservations to come here at 11PM on a Thursday. This place is supposed to be 25+, but they seem lenient with that rule provided that you don't look too rowdy. I usually have rowdy written all over me, but I retired that for the evening.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves of amber bottles, with an awesome sliding ladder much like the one I plan to have in my future dream library. The patrons, less Kate Moss, more Rockefeller (I thought I spotted the Monopoly man?).
I'd gathered from previous reviews that the service here is borderline supercilious, and I will admit that the host did greet us at the door with something that resembled a sneer. (To which my friend proclaimed: "God, I love this place.")
A thick book of brandy, whiskey, tequila, and bourbon selections. A friend ordered the tasting flight. For the girls who can't throw back with the boys, cocktails and wine. I went with a brandy cocktail called the Ile Flottante, which perhaps veered a little too closely to the french dessert. It arrived in a mug with a giant floating meringue on top (Do I drink it? Do I EAT it?). Admittedly I felt like a child drinking hot chocolate while the grown-ups had alcohol. My second cocktail, the Peaches n Cream, was more successful.
Our server, slicked hair and suspenders, looked like he could have been an extra in Havana Nights. He was very helpful in making selections, for those less well-versed in liquors. We nabbed the best seats in the house, in front of a roaring fireplace off to the side, and if only there had been someone playing at the vacated mahogany piano behind me, the whole setting would have been perfect.
the place was nice and swanky - leather couches, although not I thought they would be more "melt into" type, but they were a bit more firm. Â Still comfortable.
I had the rum sampler - my friend had the american whiskey sampler. Â both were good with 6 different flights. Â
the wait staff was a bit slow, but the hosts were attentive and very accomodating.
One cold and windy night, I was walking around the streets of Tribeca, holding my iphone with my poor frozen hand, trying to find the Brandy Library. After making a few turns on the confusing streets of Tribeca (why is this part of NY not in grids?), I walked past the Brandy Library, because it looked very unassuming. I realized my mistake, turned back and entered.
Wow. Welcome to the Brandy Library Stephy.
There were a few people ahead of me trying to get seated. Apparently you need reservations here. I went over to the coat check to drop off my coat and joined my friend, who was already seated next the fireplace.
I love the atmosphere. Dark shelves full of bottles and cigars. A warm fireplace. Comfortable couches.
The menu is extensive. If you don't like brandy or whisky, they have cocktails and wine as well. Our waiter here really knew his stuff, he was like a walking dictionary. Thanks to his recommendation, I had a Courvoisier- Napoléon Fine Champagne Cognac. I asked the waiter for ice, and he was slightly taken aback.
Me: Can I have ice in it?
Waiter: Urm... sure... I'll give you ice on the side.
The courvoisier was good, it had a strong smell but had a sweet taste. I guess its the beginner version of cognac for girls. We also ordered some food. They had both hot and cold hor's d oeuvres. We ordered lambs in a blanket which were delicious. Small pieces of merguez (spicy sausage) wrapped in puff pastry, that came with 2 dipping sauce- dijon mustard and harissa (a Tunisian hot chilli sauce).
I heard there was a another floor downstairs but I didn't check it out, next time perhaps!
Brandy Library is a great bar to enjoy pleasant conversation and high quality drinks in a great atmosphere, but they certainly could benefit from a competent host. Â At these prices, I think it is fair to expect a high level of service.
I've had several enjoyable visits to Brandy Library over the past several years. Â The drinks and food are top notch and well executed. Â The serving staff was attentive, friendly and pleasant. Â All of these things were true of my visit last night, however, Shawn the manager and host was inflexible and could never be described as a problem solver; this is a shame considering the cost of the drinks. Â
We arrived as a party of four and most of the seating space was empty. We requested space for four but one of us noted that another two might join us later. Â I know that the convention at many places in New York is to seat you only once your entire party has arrived, however I indicated to Shawn that we would be happy to sit as four and take our chances on a space for six among what would be available in the event that the other two arrived. Â He said that this would not be possible because he would be forced to "hold two tables." Â In response I said, again, that he'd not need to "hold," two tables. Â One would be occupied and that we'd like to be put in the back the cue for a space for six if others arrived. Â No table would need to be "held," vacant. Â I've seen this done before at this very establishment but Shawn said, almost curtly, that we needed to be seated at the bar. Â
Given their uptightness about seating and decor, I was also shocked to see that in front of us, most of the shelves were mostly empty or had random glasses and other things sitting on them. Â The counter was cluttered with bottles. Â It looked like the shelving in my college dorm room.
We sat at the bar for well over an hour and enjoyed food and several drinks with our pleasant argentine server and accrued a pretty decent size bill as multiple seatings for four remained open . . . the entire time we were there. Â In the end, given that, for SOME reason . . . Shawn seemed determined not to give us a proper place to sit, we left before the other two members of our party arrived; having decided to take our not inconsiderable business to somewhere where it would be appreciated.
If you've never had a whiskey flight tasting, you haven't lived a full life. By the 25+ age limit, you know you're here for one reason only: the enjoyment of an aged privilege.
I came here with high hopes and left completely satisfied. As a part of my 30 day challenge, I wanted to experience something unique to NYC, and I must admit that this place has a special place in my heart.
Although we only had bar seating, we were greeted by friendly faces and our librarian host was an extremely knowledgeable Argentinian lady with a sophisticated palette. I bowed down to her vast experience and knowledge in the niche industry and let her guide my night. Â I told her about my 30 day challenge and she showed me and my taste buds the world.
Being a single malt scotch type of man, I had the Highland Trail tasting. Â It consisted of the anCnoc 12, Balblair 2000, Old bulteney 12 years, Tomintoul 16 years, and Glenfarclas 17 years. Â Each tasting was intermittently cleansed by some spring water and laid the foundation for an increasingly intense and enjoyable experience. Â I personally enjoyed the Old Pulteney 12 and Glenfarcias 17 the most due to the sherry taste and smooth beginning with a warming end.
By the end of the tasting, I was slightly buzzed with a feeling of completeness. Â The one thing that I considered most in the forefront of my mind was not the taste, the environment, or my group of friends that had joined me, but instead, my desire to have my Dad experience what he had taught me so well in the past.
I think I feel in love with this place at hello and will come back for more with friends.
Brandy Library is the passive aggressive girlfriend of cocktail lounges.
Let me explain.
Several of us came in early on a quiet Sunday as a few separate parties, not realizing they were SO strict on their policy of party size- in fact- they are so strict that if there are separate parties there who know each other, they will have violated the reservation policy. Basically, they want tables to remain 100% separate.
Ok- got it. When we realized the strictness of their policy, we went OUT of our way to be quiet and respectful, making sure we never gathered at another person's table, etc. We were a group of physicians, lawyers and bankers and we are certainly used to rules and decorum. In fact- we were BOTHERED by our neighboring table, a party we did not know, because THEY were too loud.
Brandy library seated and served all of my friends, and happily took our money, but the hostess and one bartender spent all night verbally abusing me and my friends. Â I was repeatedly threatened that "the owner will view the video." Seriously?? Go right ahead! I am fairly certain none of us committed any felonies on your surveillance tape! Ask the owner to watch the video of your completly empty lounge getting filled with wealthy and well-behaved clientelle spending money- and then please send me the commision check for getting your otherwise non-existant business and tips for the night.
Good service is either a) understanding we did not mean to disrespect you and just offering good service, knowing that you were empty that night anyways or b)asking us to not speak at all to people at other tables or to leave if the policy can't be followed. Passive aggressive behavior is inviting us in and engaging with us, while all the while being snippy, unpleasant and rude.
Here is the thing about passive aggressive girlfriends-they almost always get dumped.
Love my single malts, and this place has got a great concept. Came here for the fact that it focuses on whiskey and brandy.
Only complain is maybe it's a bit too brightly lit inside? After a few glasses I really wished the light was dimmer lol, and it doesn't quite go with the intimacy of the decor.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my drink, the staff made my experience here awful. Â I have had countless experiences at two and three Michelin starred restaurants and thoroughly enjoy a high end meal or cocktail. Â That being said, I have never experienced a less customer centered staff in my life. Â McDonalds is better at customer service. Â I am stunned that an establishment designed to serve well heeled clientele is so horrifyingly backwards in its treatment of customers. Â I was glared at by servers and shamed by the hostess. Â I will never recommend this place to anyone. Â Go spend your money elsewhere.
Review Source:Upon entry, before I have taken off my coat, the hostess gave me a glaring stare and said,
"You can't be loud here. This is Brandy Library, you know. "
I inquired, what from my appearance to my demeanor, gave this woman the right to say something like that.
The hostess could not produce a valid reason.
Brandy Library is great if
1) You are a pin-stripe wearing middle-aged corporate titan holding an expense account,
or
2) you are a normal person who has a very high tolerance for disrespectful service.
Otherwise, there are plenty of places that will charge you less than $24 for a one-ounce pour of Oban 14 in NYC. Go else where.
This must be what heaven looks like!
I wandered past Brandy Library on my way to dinner and the name obviously caught my attention. Upon mentioning it to my friend, he insisted we go by for a drink after dinner.
The book (yes, leather bound book) of whiskeys was so overwhelming that I had to call in reinforcements from the bartender. He was very helpful in his recommendations and I ultimately ended up with a rye that I really enjoyed. My friend had to order a brandy alexander because he says that's not an easy drink to get bartenders to make. While it was a bit pricey, it was very definitely worth it for the ambiance.
A perfect date place....if your date likes brown liquors. (and if they don't....you might want to reconsider dating them)
Brandy Library is such a unique place, and one of my favorite places in the city to grab a quality cocktail. It sits squarely under the "pricy but worth it" umbrella.
The concept here is that instead of books, the Brandy Library has a large variety of liquor lining the numerous bookshelves. Cozy, dimly lit, and definitely "grown up", I always feel slightly more mature just by coming here. Sipping on a crafted Tom Collins and listening to jazz music, either played by the pianist or the sound system, somehow has that effect on me, and I immediately lower my voice upon entrance. Never overly crowded, and always a relaxing time, I try to find an excuse to stop by for an aperitif or nightcap whenever I'm grabbing dinner in Tribeca.
Fun anecdote: the first time my husband and I went here a few years ago, he ordered a Scotch on the rocks. The bartender corrected him and explained that good Scotch should be drunk without ice, so that you can smell the complex aromas. "It's kinda like on a hot summer day, you walk by the garbage on the sidewalk and you smell it. More than you'd smell it in the winter," he explained. Hubby has never ordered a Scotch on the rocks since..
Have I really not reviewed Brandy Library yet?
Extensive spirits selection, one of the largest that I know of. Free tastings are hosted by spirits companies occasionally, and very good classes are available.
To drink, you'll need a reservation, as the place is not that large.
I would rate it higher, except that I find it a bit stuffy, and I have met some real d-bags here. The other day at a tasting there was a dude who looked, and acted, as if he walked right off the set of Gossip Girl. Get over yourself, buddy.
Finally, I can take Brandy Library off of my list. I was guided here by an obsessed Gossip Girl fan who shall remain nameless... for now.
Brandy Library is such a beautiful space with it's floor to ceiling shelves of brandy bottles. We are in the presence of total class and sex appeal. It's not just the visual appeal that brings people to this TriBeCa establishment. Obviously, one comes here for the drinks. After perusing the extensive menu while leaning back and taking in the stimulating interior, I decided to go with The Missionary. Crisp and fruity with dark undertones of amber rum and sweetened with cane syrup. Strong but delicious and obviously mixed with precision and care. She had the Russian Caravan, a bourbon based drink with St. Germain, lemon juice, club soda and black tea. Very light and refreshing.
We decided to keep it at one drink for our tenure at BL as we were off to the LES for more libations but can I just say I cannot wait to return here. The quality of service and drinks can't be beat. Apparently they don't let people under 25 in but I guess we fooled them into thinking I was mature enough that they didn't card either of us. I think as long as you don't roll in looking like you're the type to order shots or cause a drunken scene, you're set. Go for sophistication my friends. I know it's hard for some of you, but perception is everything. Rouse out your inner Serena van der Woodsens and Nate Archibalds. You'll need them, especially at the Brandy Library.
I came to the Brandy Library for a nightcap after a fabulous dinner at The Harrison right around the corner.
When I was a kid, I would sneak into my Father's library and try to scare him by jumping up behind his reading chair. One time, I succeeded in scaring him and made him drop a glass. I felt badly for being responsible for the shattered glass, but little did I know then that I was also responsible for spilling very old, top shelf brandy that he'd been saving. It was one of the few times I've seen my Father angry with me.
The moral of this story is... I don't like brandy.
And, in fact, I got a Gin Gin Mule at the Brandy Library.
But, this doesn't deter me from giving them a stellar review. My boyfriend and his friend both go brandy drinks and found them very satisfactory and my drink was superb (and strong).
It's a higher priced establishment, as they serve top shelf liquors.
The ambiance sends me right back to my Father's library, which is why I tiptoed around when I had to get up to use the ladies room!
Love love love this place. My friend took me on a Friday night while I was visiting. He made reservations, but we came almost 45 min early and they were able to seat us.
DRINK: We got two tasting flights - Goodies from Gascony and something else I can't remember. Two flights were perfect for two people. Not too much but enough that it's a fun experience and you can take your time. We got a small plate of candies (meringue, caramel, shortbread) that were a tasty surprise.
ENVIRONMENT: The thing that stood out to me most is the place is very brown. The walls, the decor, everything! But beyond that, the walls are lined with bottles. The seating is spaced nicely. And they keep their numbers down, so it's not loud or overcrowded. Very classy and quiet.
SERVICE: Friendly, knowledgeable, and stays out of your hair. They explained how to drink the flights and came back at the end to tell us our mystery numbers. But that's it. Perfect for a date - no interruptions.
The Brandy Library is a fancy jump off. There are no drink specials, no scantily clad waitresses pushing jello shots or women dancing on the bar. It is a place to learn about spirits such as rum, tequila and whiskey.
It is a bourbon heaven for me. Elijah Craig 18 is great, but private cask is a bonus. This goes the same for scotch and whiskey lovers. Amrut and Suntory? Wow. Even if you enjoy the ubiquitous but proven Jameson, there are choices... 12, 18, gold, etc. There are even more obscure whiskeys that whet my appetite as I type... help me.
Be kind to your librarian. Take your glass, enjoy an aromatic whiff of liquid gold, then sip away as you sink into the fat leather couches. If your night at the library is more than a 2 drink consumption soiree, then scurry elsewhere; more drinks and appetizers may lead to financial ruin, unless you're really working hard to impress someone or just got a pay raise.
It's best to call and make a reservation or plan to arrive early and sit at the bar. Else you might perform the Bruce Banner walk of shame with the melancholy piano song (Harnell's "The Lonely Man Theme"), as you regret what the night could have been.
IFHTP 3+
Reasons to have a drink at the Brandy Library
To see O'Reily  from Oz walk past you outside the Brandy Library in a six thousand dollar black leather jacket, while sporting, a glistening, diamond stud in each ear, that borders on pretty boy gay in a fabulous, bad ass way knowing his acting, tough guy persona. Â
To wait for your significant other outside the Brandy Library  while rocking out to your I-Pod and being blessed by the power of shuffle as you start hearing the beginning of Empire State of Mind when Jay Z  boasts about how now he lives in Tribeca right next to Dinero. Â
To savor a 16 year 3 wood from Bushmills, at the Brandy Library that is smoother than O'Reily plotting antics in OZ. Â This ultra refined Irish whiskey was airy, soft radio, Chicago light. Â
To leave the Brandy Library, head toward the West Village and  pat yourself on the shoulder for never sweating the small fortune you spent on drinks while being draped in cozy, overcast spring time splendor in New York. Â
To relish, the noble, grown up, 16 year Irish post Bushmill buzz and swagger along Hudson street knowing that you still love to hold hands with the woman you met more than six years ago on  Barry Diller's balcony overlooking Central Park, and all of it's bountiful glory.
To block out that special lady all together while walking past the ageless, smoking, hot, Gina Gershwon in TriBeCa and utter  Gina Gershwon and have her respond back and say say hi in a sweet, not too husky voice; sailing by you like long lost treasure.
Reasons Jay Z wouldn't plug the Brandy Library
Brandy Library isn't ageless like Gina Gershon, nor does it possess her  mouthwatering allure despite it being a house of whiskey from head to toe.
Brandy Library is cramped, overstuffed and bloated with self-importance like Nathan Lane's backside.
. Â
Brandy Library didn't have any Pappy Van Winkle when I was there which was a bigger downer than Larry Flynt losing the key to open up high priced muff whenever he wanted.
Brandy Library attracts the Citigroup crowd which strain to be hip  masters of the universe, while lacking that big pimping, spreading the cheese aura that Jay Z is so fond of. Â
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The Brandy Library is like Tribeca resident Ed Burns. It seems to have it all but it pains you to spend any more time or money on them again.
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