Written by Jessica Hurst.
It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents…okay, that line has been used before, but it really was a rainy Friday night when I ventured out to Sip Wine and Whiskey Bar in Heritage Station.
Sip was recently named the Best Whiskey Bar in West Virginia by Thrillist.com, so I was eager to check it out for myself.
Photo: Sip Wine and Whiskey Bar.
The weather outside may have been harsh and unwelcoming, but the atmosphere inside Sip was the exact opposite. It’s a tiny space that somehow manages to be quiet and intimate without feeling claustrophobic even when every seat is full.
Thrillist’s review described Sip’s whiskey offerings as “thoughtfully appointed and should have something to appease just about every flavor of whiskey aficionado, including a variety of reasonably priced flights and a take on a Manhattan given a little extra personality with black walnut bitters and blueberries.” So I had to try one of the whiskeys.
I opted for a Tullamore Dew on the rocks. Tullamore is the second largest selling brand of Irish whiskey in the world for good reason; it reminded me of drinking Bailey’s in my formative years.
Photo: Jessica Hurst.
After the Tullamore, I ordered a flight of sweet red wines. In the middle was a California moscato called “Red Electra” from Quady vineyards which tasted like fancy adult Kool-Aid with notes of cherry, berries, and peach with a light sparkle. It pairs wonderfully with Sip’s whiskey-glazed doughnut bread pudding.
On either side of the Electra were Italian wines. The Roscato Rosso Dolce was strongly cherry, with a bit of blackberry and raspberry in the background. The Rosatello was drier and more summery; it was my favorite of the three.
Unsurprisingly for a wine bar, Sip also has a great selection of cheeses. They serve appetizers and desserts only, making the wise decision not to have a full menu and stray into pub territory.
The food listings are impressive though, with offerings ranging from house-made hummus and cheese plates, to meatballs from Rocco’s Ristorante, to a bacon and bleu cheese salad. The dessert menu is headlined by the aforementioned doughnut bread pudding, but the apple pie waffle comes in a close second.
Photo: Sip Wine and Whiskey Bar.
Sip bills itself as a place “where friends meet,” which I believe is the secret to their success. Not content with just running a business, it’s also a community space where you can take classes, hold fundraisers, throw tea parties, or (on Tuesdays) meet up for an evening run. And if you’re looking for somewhere to take your date and actually talk to them instead of shouting over everyone else? Sip is your spot.
Sip Wine and Whiskey Bar is located at 210 Eleventh Street in Heritage Station. They are open from 5 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Mondays, and closed Sundays. For more information, call (304) 523-5533 or go to SipWineAndWhiskey.com.
