Travelling to the US is still tricky, but you can dive into the southern staples of whiskey and country music at Sydney’s newest bar, Jolene’s.

Dolly Parton would be impressed with the offering of over 150 whiskies in the back bar, 100 of which are American. There are also top-shelf drops from Scotland, Japan and Australia.

This is the bar for whiskey afficionados, the ones who know the difference between Tennessee Whiskey and Speyside and want to explore the nuances of malt vs rye and grain vs wheat.

And if you don’t know the difference, it’s the perfect place to learn.

Jolene’s is the brainchild of Simon Rose-Hopkins (ex Surly’s American BBQ and Nola Smokehouse & Bar) who wanted to recreate the legendary vibe of Nashville Tennessee.

“The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York St,” he says.

“The drinks are thought through and reference Tennessee. We can’t wait to introduce an authentic experience unlike any other.”

Cocktail heroes include Islands in the Stream, a boozy tropical juice of mango, banana and lime teamed with Tennessee whiskey.

Country as Fu*k combines the Southern stapes of sweet tea and bourbon with blackberry, lemon and mint.

If you’re whiskied out, there are also gin and vodka cocktails on the menu such as the Cyote Ugly, a blend of vodka, apple, passionfruit and agave syrup.
Drinks are the main focus here, the food menu is limited to specialty hot dogs designed to soak up the booze. Choose between a smoked veal Frankfurt or smoked cheese kransky, both served with ketchup, mustard, gherkin relish, fried onion and served in milk buns.

You can enjoy live music four nights a week. In keeping with that Tennessee vibe, local bands will be playing country and rock tunes.

Enter the dark, moody space, order a drink, slip into a booth named after country singers including Kenny Rodgers, Johnny Cash, and of course Dolly Parton, and enjoy the music. If you close your eyes, you would swear you were back Stateside.

Jolene’s
73 York St, Sydney
jolenessydney.com

Related bar news: Scull a pint at the new Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville