Whisky Bar in Montreal: A Collection Built for Discovery
Being recognized among Montreal whisky bars was one of Bootlegger’s goals from the beginning. Our knowledge was modest, but our attachment to whisky was already real: for us, a glass first represented a privileged moment to share.
Today, our menu brings together several hundred bottles and more than 100 whisky flights. Scotch, Canadian whisky, bourbon, Irish whiskey and bottles from around the world can be explored at your pace, with advice from a team that aims to make tasting accessible to novices and serious enthusiasts alike.
about us
A Passion Born Around a Father-Son Glass
Even before we knew the bar industry, whisky already held a special place in our story. The pub L’Ile Noire was a favourite destination where I tasted my first great scotches with my father. Those moments shaped our vision: whisky is not only a product, but a reason to slow down, talk and create a memory.
Over the years, we multiplied bottles, welcomed brand ambassadors, master distillers and specialists, then invested in team training. Our collection was built gradually, at the same pace as our knowledge.
Whisky as Art and as a Shared Moment
On paper, whisky seems simple: water, grain, yeast, a cask and time. In reality, every choice transforms the result: raw material, fermentation, distillation, climate, wood, aging and the work of the person blending or selecting the casks.
We like to say that whisky is someone’s art put into a bottle. It deserves to be discovered with curiosity rather than intimidation. There is no single “right” profile; there are whiskies for different tastes, moments and circumstances.
Montreal, Whisky and the Imagination of Prohibition
Montreal has long had a special relationship with whisky and nightlife. American Prohibition helped strengthen the image of a city where people came to drink, listen to music and celebrate. In many Quebec families, this era still lives through the big names of the Canadian industry, stories of smuggling and sometimes the memory of a slightly outlaw uncle making his own alcohol.
These stories are part of Bootlegger’s universe. They remind us that whisky can carry industrial, family and cultural history far beyond what is in the glass.
Several Hundred Bottles to Explore
Our list is organized to make discovery easier. The scotch section includes the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, the islands, Islay and blended scotches. Added to this are Irish whiskeys, bourbons, American whiskeys, Canadian whiskies and bottles from other regions of the world.
Japan, India, England, Wales, Africa and other origins show how much whisky has become an international craft. Profiles can be light, fruity, floral, cereal-driven, spicy, woody, maritime, smoky or heavily peated.
More Than 100 Flights to Compare Three Whiskies
The whisky flight is central to our tasting experience. Each board brings together three discovery-size pours selected around a theme: production region, distillery, age, type of aging, cask influence, peat level or country of origin.
This format helps guests understand differences rather than tasting one bottle in isolation. A novice can discover three accessible styles, while an experienced enthusiast can compare cask finishes, expressions from the same distillery or rarer bottlings.
Experiences for Novices, Enthusiasts and Connoisseurs
We offer discovery experiences adapted to different levels. They may take the form of an introduction, a thematic tasting, a private workshop for a group of friends or a corporate activity.
The experience can also be offered outside Bootlegger for a private party or office event. The theme, number of glasses and level of explanation can be adapted to the number of participants and the budget.
Whisky Discovery Experience
An accessible introduction to the major whisky families, how to observe, smell and taste, and the main factors that influence aromas.
Private Tasting
A reservation-based package around a specific theme: regions of Scotland, bourbon and rye, Canadian whisky, peat, cask influence, prestige selection or a fully customized journey.
A Team That Continues to Train
Several members of our team have attended specialized training to deepen their knowledge and better share information with guests.
- Whisky Ambassador
- Bourbon Steward
- Certification dedicated to Irish whiskey from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy
Training is complemented by encounters with ambassadors, distillery representatives and specialists invited to Bootlegger.
Whisky at the Heart of Our Cocktail Program
The passion for whisky is also present in our cocktails. Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whisky Sour, Boulevardier and signature creations allow guests to explore the spirit from another angle. The choice of whisky changes the texture, spice, smoke, length and balance of the drink.
Our Whisky Collection in the Media
- 2018 — WhiskyFacto cited Bootlegger among Montreal whisky bars to discover.
- 2019 — Narcity published content about Bootlegger’s speakeasy atmosphere and scotch collection.
- 2020 — Narcity included Bootlegger in a selection of Montreal whisky bars to visit.
- Source or internal page: The best whisky bars in Montreal — Bootlegger archive
- Source or internal page: Speakeasy style bar in Montreal — Bootlegger archive
- Source or internal page: Top 4 whiskey bars in Montreal — Bootlegger archive
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Simply tell the team what you like: soft, fruity, spicy, woody, smoky, light or more intense. Those cues are enough to start.
Both spellings refer to the same broad family of spirits. “Whisky” is common in Canada, Scotland and Japan; “whiskey” is often used in Ireland and the United States.
Yes. Booking in advance makes it possible to confirm the theme, number of participants, budget, bottles and special needs of the group.
Explore Our Whisky Menu
View the list, discover the flights and reserve a private experience at Bootlegger, a whisky bar on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal.