29th July, 2014 by Melita Kiely

A new bar just opened in New York is breaking the mould with its sole offering of brown spirits such as Bourbon, Scotch whisky, rum and Tequila served neat. 

Copper & Oak, situated on the Lower East Side, boasts a back bar of more than 600 different brown spirits. 

But guests will find no cocktails on the menu and mixers are limited to a choice of soda water or ginger ale, all of which are served in a separate glasses if ordered. 

“We are not against cocktails, we are just pro-spirits,” Joel Cuellar, “spirits sommelier”, told the New York Daily News. “ If someone wants a whisky and ginger ale, I won’t refuse, but I will serve it in separate glasses.” 

Cuellar also keeps eyedroppers filled with water behind the bar for customers who wish to add a few drops to their dram of whisky. 

Emulating the bar’s name, the venue is decorated in copper and oak from Bourbon barrels. 

The walls are made out of deconstructed Bourbon barrels, the bar and bar stools are made out of copper, the bell used for last orders is made from a piece of a copper still and the bathroom sink taps are made from an old copper whisky still. 

Serves are offered in either one or two ounces ranging from US$5 for 30ml of Kentucky Bourbon to almost US$500 for 60ml of a rare Karuizawa Japanese whisky.