Beneath Driver Lane and The Macallan: A Perfect Match for Whisky Lovers in Melbourne

Beneath Driver Lane and The Macallan: A Perfect Match for Whisky Lovers in Melbourne

Tucked away beneath the bustling streets of Melbourne, Beneath Driver Lane is a unique destination that offers a blend of history, ambiance, and a premium whisky experience. Known for its blues-infused vibe, bespoke cocktail offerings, great selection of whiskies and intimate atmosphere, Beneath Driver Lane has carved a niche for itself among whisky enthusiasts and those looking for a memorable night out. Among its many highlights is its exclusive focus on The Macallan, one of the world’s most prestigious whisky brands. This article dives into the essence of Beneath Driver Lane, its relationship with The Macallan, and why this venue stands out in Melbourne’s vibrant bar scene.

A Venue Rich in History and Charm

Beneath Driver Lane’s appeal lies not just in its exceptional drinks and live music but also in its rich history. Owner Hamish Goonetilleke first discovered the space eight years before officially taking it over. Located in an underground, hidden-away spot, the venue originally functioned as a Money Order Office connected to Melbourne’s General Post Office. This historical background gives the venue a special charm that is hard to replicate. The exposed brickwork, hidden entrance, and the sense of stepping into a bygone era evoke the feel of a classic New Orleans blues bar, which Hamish was inspired by when designing the space.

Melbourne is famous for its laneway culture, and Beneath Driver Lane perfectly embodies the city’s love for intimate, quirky venues. Walking down the stairs into the cavernous bar feels like stepping back in time, making it quintessentially Melbourne—a hidden gem with a story to tell. Hamish reflects, “It was hidden, cavernous, and had all this texture to it.” It’s not just a bar; it’s an experience.

Blues, Cocktails, and a Love for Whisky

Beneath Driver Lane is a whisky, blues, and cocktail bar like no other. It prides itself on staying true to its core identity—only playing blues music and hosting live performances from Thursday to Sunday. This consistency has cultivated a loyal following, with a diverse clientele ranging from after-work corporate crowds to young enthusiasts and seasoned whisky connoisseurs. The venue caters to all, whether you’re a whisky novice or an expert looking for something unique.

The bar’s whisky offering is vast, but it is The Macallan Vault that truly sets Beneath Driver Lane apart. The venue boasts what is believed to be the best selection of The Macallan outside of private members’ clubs in Australia. This private, glass-enclosed room serves as a shrine to whisky lovers, featuring some of the finest expressions of The Macallan alongside other premium whiskies. Hamish shares, “It’s like a kid in a candy shop. You’re surrounded by the best of the best.”

The Macallan at Beneath Driver Lane: A Whisky Lover’s Dream

The highlight of Beneath Driver Lane is undeniably The Macallan Vault. This exclusive space offers patrons an intimate experience with one of the world’s most sought-after whisky brands. Whether you’re new to whisky or a long-time fan of The Macallan, this vault is the place to explore a range of rare and iconic bottles in a personal setting. The vault holds not only The Macallan’s core range but also its special editions, making it a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

For those interested in a deep dive into The Macallan, Beneath Driver Lane offers several whisky flights. These tasting experiences are carefully curated to cater to different levels of whisky knowledge. From an introductory flight featuring The Macallan’s core range to a more advanced flight, dubbed “The Macallan Journey” showcasing The Macallan Double Cask range & The Macallan ‘A Night on Earth’ Collection, there’s something for everyone. The ultimate experience, however, is the flight featuring The Macallan Edition Series 2 – 6 Edition, a rare treat for whisky connoisseurs. These flights allow guests to sit down in the vault with a knowledgeable staff member who guides them through the tasting, making the experience both luxurious and educational.

As venue manager Kealan Brady explains, “It’s a very intimate and close experience with a knowledgeable staff member. You can really immerse yourself in the luxury of The Macallan.” This level of exclusivity is rare in busy bars, which makes Beneath Driver Lane’s offering even more unique.

A Commitment to Excellence and Education

Beneath Driver Lane’s relationship with Spirits Platform has played a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of whisky knowledge and service at the venue. Spirits Platform regularly provides training sessions, helping the staff become true experts in the products they serve. Whether it’s learning about the latest whisky trends or deepening their understanding of The Macallan, these training sessions ensure that the staff can offer patrons a memorable and informed experience.

As Kealan notes, the diversity of customers means there are always opportunities to introduce newcomers to whisky. “We get to nurture their experience and introduce them to something we’re really passionate about,” he says. This passion is evident in every aspect of the bar’s service, from the cocktails crafted with care to the whisky tastings that aim to educate as much as they entertain.

Sustainability in Whisky and Cocktails

While Beneath Driver Lane is rooted in tradition, it also embraces modern values, particularly when it comes to sustainability. The venue takes steps to reduce waste, such as adjusting citrus juices to minimize excess and using garnishes only when they add value to the drink. This thoughtful approach aligns with The Macallan’s own sustainability initiatives, ensuring that both brands are working towards a more responsible future.

Garnishes, for instance, are chosen carefully to enhance the drink’s aroma or flavour rather than being purely decorative. “It should never be there just for the sake of having a garnish. It needs to add something,” Kealan explains. These small steps reflect a broader commitment to minimizing waste and maximizing the customer experience.

The Macallan and the Perfect Pairing Experience

Beneath Driver Lane also offers special whisky and food pairings, upon request or during masterclasses. While these pairings aren’t a daily feature, they are a highlight during special events, such as  The Macallan Dinner. These dinners are immersive experiences where every whisky is paired with a carefully selected dish, elevating the entire tasting experience. One such event featured The Macallan’s Harmony Collection Rich Cacao release, with each course paired perfectly to bring out the rich, complex flavours of the whisky.

The venue’s food menu, inspired by French cuisine, includes offerings such as charcuterie, baked camembert, and steak frites. These dishes are designed to complement the bar’s extensive whisky and cocktail menu, ensuring that every visit to Beneath Driver Lane is a full sensory experience.

Trends in Whisky and Cocktails

As whisky continues to grow in popularity, Beneath Driver Lane is seeing a shift in its clientele. More women are embracing whisky, shaking off the outdated notion that it’s a “man’s drink.” Kealan points out that younger drinkers are also becoming more adventurous, often discovering whisky through cocktails like whisky sours. This trend is encouraging more people to explore the world of whisky, and Beneath Driver Lane is the perfect place to do so.

Additionally, the whisky industry itself is evolving, with distilleries experimenting with different types of wood and barrel finishes. This innovation ensures that whisky remains a dynamic and exciting spirit, offering endless possibilities for those who are passionate about it.