Back in 2021, while on a bottle hunt for a blog, I came across what was then a new establishment in Louisville called Frankfort Avenue Liquors or FAL. I was pleasantly surprised to find that FAL doubles as a package store as well as a full service bar, with a massive collection of whiskey available for tasting. Needless to say, I abandoned the bottle hunt and spent the next hour or so tasting a few whiskies I hadn’t previously had the chance to try. Since then, it’s become my favorite spot in Louisville to taste new bottles and/or grab a cocktail. I recently was able to sit down with owner Bill Derham and chat about the store and his future plans. 

He stated since he’s been working in the industry it’s been his vision to open up a full service bottle store with exceptional quality and a friendly casual atmosphere. This especially rings true in their craft cocktail menu. Bill describes it as a simple cocktail menu using the finest ingredients. My personal favorite is the Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek 9 year, which I would recommend to anyone who likes a great whiskey cocktail. Also, the margarita is one of the best in town. For me personally, the single attribute FAL has on other bars of its caliber is the casual atmosphere. At its heart it’s a neighborhood bar, open the door and you feel right at home. I have yet to find another spot in Louisville that has that vast of a whiskey tasting menu which also allows pets, throws on the game for you, and also hosts a range of local/traveling musicians (a schedule is available on their website). According to Bill there are some exciting plans for the future, but unfortunately he’s not able to share them as of right now. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this local gem. 

Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Miller, Michael Veach, and Matthew Kohorst