Fantastic selection. Great and knowledgeable bartenders. I was in the area for a couple of months and the staff and patrons made a list if places I should check out. Really friendly. read more

Best old fashion I've had in the Midwest maybe even the entire US. Bartender gave us a history lesson of whisky and educated us on our drinks and how to prepare them. Absolutely loved this experience. Will go again. read more

Love this place. The bartenders know Bourbon and it has a cozy feel to it. If you know Bourbon you will appreciate the selection. If not, you will become a Bourbon lover. read more

Excellent selection of Bourbon at very fair prices. The bar staff was also very friendly and knowledgable! During our visit I tried the Rowan's Creek, A.H. Hirsch, Wild Turkey Tradition and Michter's Rye. All were delicious! I recommend getting there early to get a seat at the bar. The bar is very small but the atmosphere is made for the bourbon fan! It can get a little noisy at times but we'll definitely be back. read more

As a former Kentucky resident who grew up drinking Kentucky's finest, I was pleased to find an establishment that shares the passion for all things truly Bourbon. I was in town on business from Virginia - and hate being a prisoner of the state's ABC laws and limited provisioning. This was like finding nirvana - thanks to YELP! The Bartendress, Deanne, had a deep knowledge of the products and a handle on the great selection of Bourbons the bar has to offer. To my great pleasure, Molly Wellmann, one of the bar's owners, was also on the scene to share her thoughts on the incredible selection. Trust me - this lady has it together! If you're a Bourbon fan - or other brown spirit Aficionado then this place is for you. What's not to like? Great people, great selection, sane prices! It is an intimate joint for true believers. Don't miss this. read more

Fantastic selection of bourbons and a truly knowledgable staff. (coming from a bourbon fan) The styling is cool and simple at same time. Highly recommend for some great coctails and suggestions for other bourbons to try from the staff. Good calm conversation type atmosphere. read more

If you are looking for beer and wine... look elsewhere as the name on the sign pretty much sums up what you will find here... Bourbon and Whiskey. And they do it with such finesse, you also get an education while getting your drink on. The decor is really fun and feels like you are hanging out in a bourbon barrel. read more

A cozy little watering hole. The main attraction for me is that they have Pappy Van Winkle. Even the 23 year! Enjoyed a lovely Valentine's day here sipping that fine bourbon. Will definitely come back once the weather warms and spend more time sampling the awesome collection of bourbon offered here. read more

You should probably visit here and get some bourbon. Great prices, great selection, great ambiance. I don't (correction, didn't) even like bourbon and I had a great time. The bartender will find you something that you'll like! read more

First, let me say the drinks are phenomenal here and it's a terrific little bar with a friendly and laid back atmosphere, but I just couldn't give them 5 stars :/ Why? Because upon arrival our bartender was chumming it up with her palls, which usually that's fine, but she continued to ignore us for a good 10 minutes...We stood at the bar without anyone else up there or waiting to be served without so much as a hello, or be with you in a bit. I really don't like to be ignored as a paying customer. Customers first, chums later. Also, the bar-top inside and the outside patio was filthy. There were half empty drinks and cups strung about with chewed up straws, dirty napkins and all sorts of garbage. We practically played Rock Paper Scissors to determine who was going to bus-off the least disgusting table we could find. The woman who mixed our drinks was a bit of a drag too, all she did was complain about her day once she finally decided to serve us and then whined about her coworker running late, saying she should have clocked out and left already, yet after her coworker arrived (which was shortly thereafter) she came out on the patio with a friend and was still outside drinking by the time we left. The guy who came in a few minutes late was a charming fellow who seemed to keep things running smoothly and quickly, we didn't have any issues with him and were quite impressed by how knowledgeable and attentive he was but the woman who was working before him seemed very inattentive. Who knows, maybe she was having an off day, we all do sometimes--just make sure you don't ignore those who love to tip their bartenders almost as much as they love to drink. And please don't keep people waiting longer than they have to for their post-corporate cure. ;) I'll give this place another go for sure. read more

I'm an out of towner but this is a must stop. Agree with the reviewers who mention it being a bit loud when full, however that's a small price to pay for a great bourbon selection and knowledgable bartenders. Perfect for preparing your stomach for or curing it from goetta. read more

I came across this bar while spending a week working in Hebron KY. When I travel I always seek out the non chain places. The mixologists at OKBB were really super and the cocktails were wonderful. read more

So happy I decided to follow the reviews to come in. As an avid Bourbon and Whiskey drinker I am always looking to be pleasantly surprised...OKBB knocked it out of the park. It's rare I can get a flight with 3 new flavors but the advice and direction of the bartender was even more spot on. If you have the slightest curiosity, come in and leave with a valued rare experience! read more

LOVE this place! Great drinks,great people,great atmosphere! Bourbon selection is unmatched and the specialty cocktails were as DELICIOUS as you would expect from Molly Wellman.....other bars should take note. read more

The Old KY Bourbon Bar is located in the heart of Mainstrasse Village on Main St. in Covington. About mid-block between 6th and 7th on the west side of the street. As you've read, it's very small and can get quite loud when busy. I brought a friend with me on a Thursday and made the bartender aware that I was an infrequent bourbon drinker. I was the first to order and to my surprise, 2 shots were poured. The bartender also poured 2 very small glasses of water and 1 larger glass of ice to dilute. They each were very open to share much of their knowledge about bourbon but be forewarned, you must ask about prices before you begin. Your experience will be much better knowing in advance that your bill could tally up to $25 per shot as mine did. read more

If you want to drink bourbon, this is as good as it gets. The selection is amazing. Both seasoned bourbon-istas and corn-mash neophytes are welcome here. The bar is clean, comfortable and cozy yet has an aged feel (like a white oak barrel). The staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful without being condescending or overbearing. Our bartender's name was Rich, but we were calling him the "Professor" by the end of our visit because he was a limitless fountain of bourbon knowledge. Prices were reasonable, too. Definitely check out this place if you like, or want to try, bourbon. We had flights with a variety of 3/4 oz. pours so that we could get home safely, but they also make killer cocktails. Two of the bourbons I tried were the best I've ever had. And I tried Rye for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed that as well. I've got to go back and try an old-fashioned at this place! read more

I really like getting drinks here on special occasions. They're a bit expensive, but they're absolutely worth it. The various bartenders always have interesting things to say, and the fact that there aren't any TVs in the bar is pretty awesome. read more

The MainStrasse Village is lucky to house this hidden gem! If Bourbon or Craft Cocktails are your thing and you haven't been here then there is only really one question...Why? The Bartenders are all Amazing People as are the regulars who provide a smiling "Cheers" like atmosphere. Try it out if you haven't! read more

When OKBB first opened up, it was usually only half full. Seating was available and the staff were quick to get your order. With the increase of popularity, it is nearly impossible to find a seat Thursday through Sunday night. I sadly haven't been able to go in almost a year as it was always too crowded to get a seat and/or the bartenders where so overwhelmed they would pass by us. I've heard they have opened a patio for additional seating, which is very much needed. Their drinks are amazing! I'm a huge fan of their hot apple cider with bourbon in the fall and winter time. If you don't know what to order, ask the bartenders. They know their cocktails and would usually ask me what I liked in regards to flavor. I say sour, they knew something I would like. Aside from the tight quarters, this place is great to grab a drink. Just be ready to wait on the weekend evenings. read more

I usually end my night of drinking on main straß here. This place is smaller than the others but it makes up for it in its selection. If you are not typically a burbon drinker, you will find something here for you. read more

Love this place. Lilly is simply the best. So kind and helpful. We actually prefer to go there when she is working. Great suggestions and welcoming. read more

If you like bourbon and know about bourbon, I would recommend it. if you are a novice, like me, you may find the place a bit intimidating. The bartender was of absolutely no help and seemed more than a bit full of himself. And when said bartender refers to product on their shelves as "offensive" and "tastes like shit", why would you even serve that product. I went there to try to learn a bit more about different bourbons. Instead, I was talked down to. I don't see myself going back anytime soon, if ever. read more

Got in to the sneak Yelp tasting event last night. The Old KY Bourbon bar is a treat and a must stop for every out of town guest you have who wants to know about that KY Bourbon thing. I think I am going to become a regular. Best Bourbon and Rye collection this side of the Galt House Bourbon Bar in Louisville. Loved the off beat country music playing in a hipster enviroment. Perfectly ironic. read more

I drink whisky and bourbon, but usually it has to be mixed with something and even then, I find it to be quite strong. My palette is developing. When I went to the OKBB and ordered a Manhattan, it was possibly the finest Manhattan I've ever had. It was perfectly balanced and almost refreshing. You could taste the rye and the bitters and it all worked so well together. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable about all the whisky they have and are more than happy to make recommendations or talk your ear off in general. It's a friendly, yet trendy atmosphere and is nice to belly up to the bar, sit against the wall or if you can grab the back table with a group, it's also a nice experience. They have other whisky based cocktails, but don't expect them to have vodka, gin or anything like that readily available. I applaud them for their whisky/bourbon only focus. They do it quite well. read more

We were visiting family in Cincinnati and my brother knew of my love for bourbon, so he suggested we go here. Thank goodness he did. Got to meet and talk bourbon with Josh for a while. He set me up two flights for tasting. Learned a great deal from that and was able to compile a shopping list of bourbons to go down the street to the store and buy. Unfortunately, they can not sell you a bottle at the bar so you are on your own trying to actually purchase some of the drinks you sample. Of the 5 Josh and I settled on for me to go purchase, we were eventually able to find 4. The last one on the list remains as yet unsecured. I was on a mission to populate our bar with a good selection of Kentucky Bourbons and this place and this man helped us do exactly that. It's like going to school! You hope for authenticity and a genuine atmosphere of bourbon appreciation from such a place and The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar hits the marks right on the screws. It was exactly what we expected and needed it to be and we highly recommend it to anyone wishing to learn about and enjoy fine Kentucky Bourbons. Great bar. We will definitely be back again. read more

Great location in Mainstrasse. A must check out for bourbon aficionados as the selection cant be beat. I had a Manhattan and was the best i've ever had. A good place to stop in for a drink or two with a nice casual yet professional feel. If you are appreciate good bourbon you need to stop here. read more

I absolutely love this place!! I should have written this review the same night I went there but sadly I didn't. We wanted to get a little snack and drink before heading to the ballet performance at the Aronoff. First, we went to Nicholson but it was packed to the gills. The manager told us to try this new establishment next to them and even had a hallway to them. So we went over there and had great timing because a party just left. The place seemed to be old fashioned with high back arm chairs and old reclaimed wood all around. It had a lot of character and relaxed with energy. Sounds like an oxymoron :-). They had an extensive list of bourbon on their list of bourbons and whiskey with descriptions. I am really awful with names but I had this one bourbon that I really liked!! Really smooth and fruity. Didn't really burn the throat which was nice. We had some snacks too that were pretty tasty. i believe we had briskets with some good BBQ. The staff was very nice and pretty quick. Since we were waiting for the ballet we didn't feel anxious or nervous of trying to get the check in time and leave abruptly. It was a great experience. I wanted to take my friends there another time but they are closed on Sundays. Need to try again! read more

One of the best bars I've ever been to, and I've lived all over the country/world. The bartenders really know what they are doing. Every visit is an education. I'll miss this when we leave Cincinnati. read more

OKBB is a must for those in the Cincinnati area who are bourbon aficionados. Even in the heart of Kentucky you will be hard pressed to find a bar that stocks such a plethora of bourbon. They do have a board with daily specials on flights and various drinks and make a heck of a Mule for $5. Be careful to check prices though as some bourbons may be a bit higher in price that you may expect. The space itself is small and intimate but pretty laid back and adjacent to restaurants and other bars in the Mainstrasse area. read more

Great beer selection and great service. Came in for a quick drink before going to a wedding in the area and the bartender got us a seat, a drink, and a check in under 15 mins. Will be back read more

Awesome selection of Bourbon. If you dont like straight Bourbon the Bartender will make you a delicious cocktail.

Incredible Old Fashioned! Tried the Bulleit Rye (house) and Old Grandad bonded- LOVED the Bulleit! Also finished the night with Pappy so couldn't have been better! Definitely recommend! read more

What a selection of bourbon! Nice, cool bar that you should definitely check out if you're in the Cinci / Covington area.

Met up with a buddy I hadn't seen in years here on a Wednesday night. Huge selection, no printed list, but the bartenders do a good job of talking you through some options you may like without trying to up sell you. I love bourbon, but this is a good place for novices and more seasoned bourbon drinkers alike. I only dock a star for prices that I felt were a little high. I'd go back when in the Cincinnati area. read more

Great bar! A bit small but who needs a big bar full of assholes when a small bar with a bunch of a fun people is way better any day of the week! Bourbon enthuesiasts and those not so hot on the golden liqued of the Gods will find the cocktail list very tasty! If you haven't been, go! I recommend the Horse's Neck and for the splurge, try the Pappy 23...before it's gone forever!!!!!!! DUN, DUN, DUNNNNNNNNN! (very dramatic sound effects). read more

Stopped in this place last night because I had never been in Kentucky before and wanted to whiskey. Was immediately awestruck by the huge selection on bourbon and other American whiskey on deck. Talked with a couple of the bartenders all of them super friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to sifting though the 100+ bottles to find just the right libation for you. Good variety of mixed drinks, but do yourself a favor and get a Manhattan. A+ read more

I found the male bartender serving rude . The place was very small and I do not like paying 7 dollars for small glasses of bourbon. Not Kentucky friendly in my opinion. read more

Any place that doesn't trust their employees to pour a drink without using a jigger is not a place I would trust to drink at again. I guess the bartenders know their stuff, but to wait 15 minutes for a jigger-perfect bourbon while the barman bloviates on bourbon minutia to his pals down the bar is just way too much for me. If you know nothing about bourbon this would be a good place to learn, but if you already enjoy it you would get a laugh out of this place, at least until the bar tab came. I'd rather enjoy a good glass of bourbon poured the real way at one of the dozen other bars up and down the street. Maybe these guys should uproot their schtick and take it to Over The Rhine. It would go well with "gourmet" tacos. read more

first of all I luv bourbon and have for 20+ yrs. second of all the selection is large and impressive and a great place to experiment if need be. thirdly, the staff seems to have a fair amount of knowledge regarding bourbon. fourth, and in my mind most important, up the pour or lower the price in all price ranges. lastly, johnny come latelys will be impressed but bourbon honks will know marketing when they see it!!!would still recommend for a dram glass or 2 initally but you need not be a repeat customer unless my fourth point is recognized by mgt!!!. read more