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The new year has begun. Auld Lang Syne has been sung. Let’s take a glass of kindness yet: a glass of whisky.

There are many varieties of whisky. Maybe some of them are familiar, while others are not. There is Scotch whisky, Irish whisky, Rye whisky, American whisky and bourbon. The list goes on. In fact, there are so many kinds of whisky Portland needed a whole whisky library to fit them all. That is correct, a library. Instead of books, these shelves hold 1,800 different varieties of spirits, mostly whisky.

Welcome to the Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library, in the heart of Portland.

It is only a train ride away from La Conner. One can be there in half a day’s time. Driving is an option, too.

Spend the evening in eclectic downtown Portland, grab some dinner, then head over to 1124 Alder Street, where the Multnomah Whiskey Library resides. A tip for the wise: Make reservations ahead of time, for library hours get very busy. The wait is well worth it.

On the sidewalk of 11th and Alder is a simple, non-descript sandwich board with a matching plaque over the small entry way. Both read MLW in a curvy font with Multnomah Whiskey Library printed below.

Unassuming as the street level may be, upstairs the library is anything but.

The entry door to the library opens into what looks like a cross between a speakeasy and a gentlemen’s club from years gone by, dressed in Victorian style and décor.

A cacophony of sound murmurs up like a soft hum as people lounge on sofas by the fireplaces or lean over lamp-lit tables, perusing the dictionaries of whisky in dim, intimate light.

On the left wall stands the stacks of shelves holding the thousands of spirits. A rolling ladder, on a rail, provides access to the wall’s top tiers.

The wooden books found on each table hold pages upon pages of various whisky varieties from which to choose. The bartender, Jason, heads over to each gathering, providing tableside service and answering questions. This is a trademark of the library.

After a customer selects a drink, straight or blended, Jason returns with bottles and glasses in hand. This selection is a 15-year-old, single malt Irish whiskey distilled in a cabernet barrel. The golden liquid is poured in a slightly fluted glass to aid the taking in of the crisp, sweet aroma. This slightly sweet whiskey leaves a wonderful, warm glow as a finish.

Whisky is to be savored and leisurely sipped over good conversation with good friends. The Multnomah Whiskey Library is the absolute perfect place for this type of whisky experience. Whether one is a novice or a connoisseur, the library is welcoming and invites guests from all over to come in for a dram. Go, sit and stay awhile.

Ready to go? https://mwlpdx.com/.

The spelling whiskey is used by the Library and usually refers to spirits distilled in Ireland and America; otherwise the usual spelling is whisky. Editor