Paris: La Maison du Whisky (part 1)

Need I say more?!?

This is the mecca of all things great.  It’s where Parisians and Whisk(e)y come together under one (ok, 2) roofs.  La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) is legendary.  They have one of the best collections of whiskies from all around the world, including a back room with extremely rare and few-of-a-kind bottles at their store on 20 rue d’Anjou.  If you’re in Paris, you must plan to spend time in both of their stores.

La Maison du Whisky (original shop)

The original La Maison du Whisky boutique is situated in the 8th arrondissment at 20 Rue d’Anjou.  Located in one of the chicest neighborhoods in Paris, this sexy shop is on the ground floor and so beautifully designed you’re going to want to move in (and that’s not just the whisky talking!).  It’s elegant and soft minimalistic design in grays and browns are the perfect backdrop for showcasing their collection.   Further more, I can’t help but mention the wonderful people who work there.  They were happy to answer any question and help in any way (and most speak English fluently).

*A bit of a warning, what we thought would be an easy find turned into a bit of a “tourist in headlights” moment.   It is Paris, after all, and all of the street curve, turn, end and turn into something else, or don’t intersect where you think they might.  Long story short, bring a detailed map.

LMDW Fine Spirits (2nd shop)

Their second store in Paris, appropriately names LMDW Fine Spirits, is located in the über cool 6th arr. in the neighborhood of Odéon.  Located at 6 Carrefour de l’Odéon, this recently opened 3 story beauty is well worth the visit.  Very different from it’s sister store, LMDW features a wide variety of all spirits, not just whiskies.  The main floor features a large, rotating themed collection that is framed perfectly in their massive windows (during my visit, it happened to be Whiskies of the World – woohoo!).  The basement level is where the buyers really flex their muscles and stock some of the coolest and most unique spirits I’ve ever seen.  The 2nd floor, however, is where the magic happens.  This level is set up like a bar (in fact, I was ready to pull up a stool!).  It’s part concept store and part functioning bar, used only for tastings and special events.  Otherwise, as was described to me by their manager, it’s the best setting to get yourself in the mood to purchase their beautiful edited selection of bar accoutrements!  Cocktail shakers, anyone?  (You may not need one but in that setting, you certainly believe that theirs has magical powers to turn you into the best at-home bar tender the world has ever seen!)

By the way, if you’re in Singapore … I here the LMDW store there is pretty amazing too!

LINKS to their e-commerce sites: La Maison du Whisky and LMDW Fine Spirits

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