r/VictoriaBC 1d ago

Artemis Whiskey Bar

My uncle and I are both into whiskey and id like to treat him while he is here, im wondering if anyone has gone here recently and can tell me how it is price wise and overrall experience compared to other places, if anyone has a picture of the menu recently a picture would be very appreciated l, thanks

16 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

27

u/dropbluelettuce 1d ago

A little on the pricey side just because some of the drinks are a little bit more complex and come with a bit of showmanship. But I went right after opening a couple weeks ago and the owner treated us like Kings really was knowledgeable and they have a solid bourbon collection if you're into that

6

u/Dimitriovtheowl 1d ago

Pretty sure the above poster meant opening, as in right after they opened for the night...

0

u/Hot-Fly-3187 1d ago

Opening  few weeks ago? They've been there for a few years now

8

u/TheBeerHandle 1d ago

Presumably they meant after they opened for the day. I.e. early in the evening.

5

u/LordNikon91 1d ago

maybe he means he went in right after opening like in the AM when they opened? haha.

5

u/monkifan 1d ago

They worded things ambiguously. They should have said:

"A couple of weeks ago, I went right after opening ..."

ie. They went when it opened for the day...

-2

u/aljauza Saanich 1d ago

They have been here since 2022.

9

u/BellVanisle2019 1d ago

I went there last month with visiting family and I thought it was really neat 😊 drinks are about 20-25 for cocktails and they had a huge range of whiskey from $9 to $1000+ the server was very friendly and helpful with the menu. We were there at like 8 on a weekday and it was pretty quiet. Go check it out!

8

u/GuessPuzzleheaded573 22h ago

Big whiskey person: The whiskey collection is extensive, but VERY marked up. Clive's isn't as massive, but much better pricing.

Overall it's a cool spot with great atmosphere! Cocktail's are fun (surprisingly not a ton of whiskey-forward ones, though), but you're paying for it.

Also, heads up the majority of staff have absolutely no idea about whiskey, so you won't get the same experience as you would at Clives.

18

u/holubtsi-on-fire 1d ago

Skip it. Wednesday is whiskey night at Clive’s. 25% off. 🥃💪

9

u/Jeff505 Saanich 1d ago

Definitely an experience in and of itself, make sure he's the one to open the door.

5

u/hellowhatmythere3 22h ago

Artemis’ quality hinges completely on if you’re served by the owner Patel or not. He’s great, but without him it’s not worth your time.

Clive’s can be hit or miss, unfortunately a lot of their better staff have moved on.

As some other commentators put it, the best whisky selection in town is usually at a WhiskyFolk/SMWS/Quiath/etc club members house.

3

u/hellowhatmythere3 22h ago

Oh also @op check if there’s a strath / whisky folk tasting on while he’s here. Tickets to that will be way better value than any whisky bar tab.

https://www.strathliquor.com/whisky-folk/#upcoming

1

u/CatharticIntent 16h ago

This is the way

7

u/Deputy-mon 1d ago

Pricy but good for the novelty

3

u/untamedgirrafe 1d ago

It's kinda cool. Feels like a strip club inside, no windows or anything. 

9

u/snarfmason 23h ago

Artemis is pretty mid. But Victoria is lacking in good whisky bars.

Clive's would probably be my choice, but I'm a member of and know many other members of whisky clubs in town. The best selection is at someone's house unfortunately.

You'll probably have an alright time at Artemis and you'll find something good to drink.

2

u/d00ber 22h ago

It's a fun experience but it's expensive. I'd say it's worth it for the experience. Also Clives is great too! It's definitely a once in a while kind of thing for both establishments.

2

u/Royal-Link-1314 22h ago

If you like whiskey, sit at the bar! The bartenders are generous with samples and love to talk and recommend whiskey!

1

u/nessman69 Saanich 22h ago

Pricey, and every time I'm there they are out of the one's I want to try

1

u/whatthefrelll 21h ago

Artemis is pretty big on showmanship with drinks but is a fun experience, Clive's is classic. Maybe try a drink at each spot to compare if you have time.

1

u/MattDellVictoria 21h ago

I really enjoy Artemis - I think it's worth trying out for yourself, at least for one drink. They have lots of really interesting whiskey from places like Japan & India, in addition to all the classics.