Scotsman - 10 Best Bars in Aberdeen

(7 Stirling Street, AB11 6ND, 01224 212373)
Any true drinks connoisseur would be foolish to miss out on what's inside this Aladdin's Cave of spirits and beers.
CASC offer an extensive range of craft and world beers (just check out that glorious chalk board) with a whopping 24 rotating draught lines and hundreds of bottled beers in their fridges.
Beers are colour coded by style and include pale ale, stout, double IPA, weisse, fruit and saison.
And that's before you even add the fact that they are also home to over 500 Scotch whiskies, do amazing coffees and even offer cigars from their very own walk-in humidor.

The Blue Lamp
(121 Gallowgate, AB25 1BU, 01224 647 472)
Fans of jazz won't be disappointed by this Aberdeen gem. Many consider The Blue Lamp one of the UK's best jazz venues, partly because of its exciting programme, and partly because of its premium sound system.
Some of the most talented jazz musicians have played this venue, including Georgie Fame, Kenny Garrett and Arild Andersen, who were all impressed by the bar's welcoming ambience.
The Blue Lamp often hosts live stand up too, so don't forget to check out the upcoming comedy gigs.

(1 Back Wynd, AB10 1JN, 01224 631 640)
Just off the busy thoroughfare of Union Street, this hipster haven is the ideal watering hole for vinyl-lovers.
Eccentric flavours and innovative infusions make their cocktails one-of-a-kind, and the cosy upstairs area is an oasis for the over-worked.
At the weekends, DJs make this bar a happening joint, and during the week, their live music programme is the perfect antidote to stress.

(4 Belmont St, AB10 1JE)
The ultimate underground speakeasy, The Tippling House has a huge range of quirky cocktails on offer.
Be prepared to be introduced to new and exciting flavours of drinks, and also for a mouth-watering food menu. Twists on classic dishes, such as the white crab mac and cheese, will make you hungry for more.
The bar is always busy, and the booths offer exactly the right level of intimacy. Also, keep an eye out for their fun tastings and food-pairings.

(Unit 17, The Academy, Belmont St, AB10 1LB, 01224 643338)
If you are picky about gin, look no further than Rye & Soda, which offers one of the biggest gin selections in Aberdeen. They also host tasting events by 10 Dollar Shake's Tasting Academy, which is a great chance to discover your new favourite tipple. The stripped-back décor is most certainly on trend, and makes for a relaxed atmosphere.
The staff of Rye & Soda offer an incredible 10 wines for £10 on Mondays, and have developed a Bloody Mary concept where you can select your own garnishes.

(45 Langstane Pl, AB11 6EN, 01224 594430)
The West End is home to the stylish cocktail bar Dusk, which prides itself on offering a top-class selection of classic and newly-invented cocktails. The dark walls and sumptuous furnishings will make you feel like a suave secret agent.
The Velvet Lounge is the perfect place for a private soiree, with its own bar and DJs to hire.
You can also book you and your friends in for a mixology class with Dusk's knowledgeable bartenders, and learn all the tricks of the trade.

(51 Langstane Pl, AB11 6EN, 01224 516 126)
Tucked away in an unobtrusive corner of Aberdeen is the progenitor of the celebrated Pink Orchid cocktail. Orchid Aberdeen is the place for those who know what they like, and has won awards for its unique drink selection.
Over the past nine years, Aberdeen residents have fallen in love with this classy establishment. Decorated with copper, wood and leather chairs, Orchid welcomes you in as soon as you cross the threshold.
The staff have created their own infused spirits, in order to make their drinks that extra bit special.

(17 Gallowgate, AB25 1EB, 01224 631 223)
Now a nationwide craft beer phenomenon, it all started here in Aberdeen. Brewdog used to be the Marischal Pub, before it was completely overhauled in 2010. Now it is the flagship bar of the Brewdog supergroup, with branches all across Europe.
The brewery is on-site, providing the signature draught beers. There are now about 100 Brewdog favourites, and the bar always plays host to an intriguing selection of international brews.
The staff are very knowledgeable about craft beer, so make sure to get them talking about their favourite subject.

(The Academy, Belmont Street, AB10 1L, reservations@bos-n.com)
If you miss those fun little cocktail umbrellas, you'll love Bos'n. This Latin American dive bar is both playful and trendy, with an emphasis on upcycled furniture and quirky touches.
The cocktails are sweet but with a naughty streak, as sugar cane, agave and Red Bull are frequently used ingredients.
Bos'n also has a tapas restaurant, so you can top up on tasty morsels like pressed pork cheek and mango, before heading off to go about your business.

(6 Littlejohn St, AB10 1FF, 01224 379 192)
Belgian beer is the name of the game at Six Degrees North, with the owner, Robert Lindsay, having spent three years in Belgium before returning to Scotland. His passion for Belgium's beers leads the website to describe them as the as the "pinnacle of the brewing process".
The Six Degrees North brewery in Stonehaven provides this bar with ten of its own craft beer brews, and there is a massive selection of over 350 other beers on offer. The name of the brewery comes from its location relative to Brussels.
The interior is not at all showy, with minimal furniture and decoration, and plenty of natural light.