10BEST: Bourbon goes down smooth

Bourbon is booming. Production and distilleries are popping up across the nation, propelled by growing interest from Millennials, says Carla Harris Carlton, author of Barrel Strength Bourbon: The Explosive Growth of America’s Whiskey ( Clerisy Press, $ 24

HUSK CHARLESTON, S. C. Not only will you find incredible food at this restaurant run by James Beard Award- winning chef Sean Brock, but you’ll also find great drinks, Carlton says. The chef was an early champion of bourbon, buying it by the barrel. “Bourbon owes a big debt of thanks to him, adding so much of a cool factor.” huskrestaurant.com

BOURBONS BISTRO LOUISVILLE While Carlton struggles to pick a favorite in her hometown, this neighborhood spot wins her praises because it was ahead of the curve, incorporating bourbon into food, and educating the staff long before it was common. “They were really smart. It helped give bourbon a more sophisticated edge,” she says. It’s just one stop on the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail ( bourboncountry.com), a collection of spiritfriendly bars and restaurants. bourbonsbistro.com

YARDBIRD SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR MIAMI With its proximity to the Caribbean, South Florida might seem like rum country, but this casual spot offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of bourbon. Carlton says she was impressed with the house- infused whiskeys on a recent visit, including orange, chocolate and smoked varieties. “They know their stuff.” It also offers Southern- style eats including chicken and brisket on a biscuit. runchickenrun.com

RICKHOUSE SAN FRANCISCO A burgeoning bourbon scene flourishes on the edge of California wine country, as evidenced by this spot in the Financial District. The bar’s named for the warehouses where bourbon barrels are left to age. “They have a really cool décor. It’s a long, narrow space with walls that are either exposed brick or covered with barrel staves,” Carlton says. “A little rustic with some of the rough edges polished off.” rickhousebar.com

JACK ROSE DINING SALOON WASHINGTON This Adams Morgan neighborhood bar boasts a collection of more than 2,000 bottles, including unopened vintage whiskeys acquired from collectors and estates, offering a chance to taste perhaps one- of- a kind spirits, Carlton says. “It’s always finding and serving interesting bottles. It really has a well- curated selection.” jackrosediningsaloon.com

BARREL PROOF NEW ORLEANS Kentucky has a long, historic connection with the Crescent City, shipping its bourbon down river for sale and export, but until recently New Orleans didn’t celebrate the whiskey. Now it has a bourbon festival, and such places as Barrel Proof, which calls itself a clean, laid- back dive bar, with hundreds of varieties on offer. barrelproofnola. com

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BUTCHER & THE BOAR MINNEAPOLIS This high- end restaurant shows that bourbon can hold up well to hearty foods such as steak and pork, Carlton says. It offers a range of flights and cocktails. “They have a pretty good list, and it pairs well with heavy cuisine. It’s nice to see that bourbon is moving northward.” butcherandtheboar.com

DELILAH’S CHICAGO While some bars lure drinkers with slick design, this Lincoln Park spot doesn’t even try. “It really is a hole in the wall,” Carlton says. “It does have a dive sort of vibe to it, but they really know their bourbon.” She says it’s a regularly stop for Jimmy Russell, the legendary master distiller at Wild Turkey. “That’s a big stamp of approval.” delilahschicago.com

MAYSVILLE NEW YORK This Manhattan bar is named for an early center of bourbon production, and offers whiskey classes and tastings. “If you weren’t shipping out of Louisville, you were shipping out of Maysville,” Carlton says. “They’re trying to evoke that history.” The owners recently opened a bar and restaurant in New Orleans called Kenton’s, with an equally strong bourbon focus. maysvillenyc.com

CENTURY DAYTON, OHIO The bar owner has dedicated himself to the world of whiskey, making numerous pilgrimages to distilleries to learn the subtleties of the spirit. “He came to Kentucky to educate himself about bourbon. He takes every opportunity he can to learn.” Carlton says. The bar reflects that dedication, offering classes and special tastings. “It’s a cool location and worth a stop.” centurybourbon.com

SQUIRE FOX Charleston, S. C.,’ s Husk restaurant is known for its award- winning food, but it has great drinks.

MAYSVILLENYC. COM The Manhattan bar Maysville is named for a city in Kentucky that was an early center of bourbon production.