Bozeman, Montana: Dinner at the Copper Whiskey Bar

I have to give credit to my roadtrip buddy for spotting the Copper Whiskey Bar. We had seen it after our lunch at Bacchus and then decided to go in after walking Main Street. Although It was Independence Day and you would have thought this was a special thing, Main Street in Bozeman is normally closed on Thursdays during the summer for a weekly fest that features live music and food. What’s cool is you can walk around with alcohol but we decided we like drinking in bars so we headed to Copper Whiskey Bar.

They have been open just a few months with some staff who used to be at Bacchus. I admired the whiskey list, the most extensive one I had seen in days. Prices weren’t too outrageous. Although there’s no formal whiskey club, there are some locals who tick off each of the different whiskies they’ve tried. There was one at the bar who had all but 6 left from the long, double-sided menu. Eventually he ordered a “single double small” to go. To which the bartender thought he said, “single double tall.” What is this, a coffee shop? Nope, remember you can walk around with your go cup on Main Street.

 

Despite our heavy-ish lunch, we ordered a couple of appetizers while trying to decide what we wanted to have for dinner. I zoomed in on the deviled eggs immediately. I was immediately happy there wouldn’t be any fighting over the portions. I really hate appetizers that come in odd numbers and was glad there were six halves to share between 2 people. The three eggs had lobster and caviar, proscuitto, parmesean and paprika and the last one was topped with spring pea, sesame, smoked paprika and tahini. I liked all three equally though the tahini one was probably the most memorable.

 

I was really surprised when my friend ordered the pretzel bites and not the beet salad. These were a bit too doughy for me. I like soft pretzels but still like the crispiness of pretzels. I also prefer mustard for my pretzels over cheese. However, my friend loved these and ate most of them.

 

I spotted Rich Mahogany,  the Fernet-Branca cocktail and knew I had to try it. The stirred cocktail combines Fernet, Cointreau and Buffalo Trace bourbon. It’s served neat with a lemon twist though I would have liked it in a chilled cocktail glass rather than a rocks glass.

 

 

Another meaty sandwich? Sure, why not? I went for the pulled pork and loved this so much. I found my sauce soulmate with this “just enough” BBQ sauce. It came with a choice of side so I got extra cole slaw. Some may want more sauce for those who like drippy sandwiches but I thought this was just right. The pork was tender and I wish I could have another right now.

 

I did have to eat this in halves while taking a cocktail break in between.

Although it was a whiskey bar, I thought I would try out the The Orchard (Whyte Laydie gin, applejack, egg white, lemon). Sadly, it needed a touch more simple syrup. It was really tart. I went back to drinking whiskey on the rocks. The double pours is where the value is– Blanton’s for $12 is great. Usually it’s around $12 for a single in Los Angeles.

 

We got talked into dessert and my friend got the creme brulee topped with coconut. I don’t like coconut so I left that all to her.

 

I got the key lime pie (cheesecake). I’ll forgive them for not garnishing with actual key limes as the cheesecake was great. So rich and dense!

I really enjoyed the vibe of Copper Whiskey Bar. Although the food was fine at Bacchus, I much rather sit at Copper. I felt comfortable in the beautiful bar and was never rushed about my drinks.

Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill

101 E Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715  —  (406) 404-1700

© The Minty  2013