Flying Scotsman Whisky Bar Holds Grand Opening In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Flying Scotsman Whisky Bar held its official grand opening Thursday afternoon, welcoming city officials and other guests inside for finely crafted cocktails and a unique whisky experience.

If that name already sounds familiar to Norwalk residents, it is because the bar actually fist opened at 30 Main Street late last year.

Owner Alan Heron told Patch he started serving customers in November 2023, however various factors led to him and his wife, Jessica, opting for a softer launch.

"I also wanted a year," Heron said, "to personally serve each customer, working solo, to see how a different type of nightlife experience would resonate here in Connecticut."

To mark the official opening Thursday, the owners were joined Mayor Harry Rilling for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Those in attendance were then invited inside to relax and enjoy drinks made personally by Heron.

With over 30 years of industry experience in both Scotland and New York City, Heron said he sought to create a bar in Norwalk that combines a world-class whisky selection with a cocktail bar vibe, designed to compete with the very best bars in Manhattan.

Heron also emphasized he prefers to call the Flying Scotsman a "whisky bar," as opposed to a "cocktail bar," in order to best describe its atmosphere.

"After opening a cocktail bar in New York City, I saw how people often treat ordering like a high-stakes negotiation, and true customer focus can get lost," Heron said. "Cocktail bars work in limited contexts, but Norwalk is the ideal spot for a mature bar with consistent, quality drinks for responsible drinkers. The city's diversity and energy make it a perfect home for a place like this."

Flying Scotsman joins a strong, growing roster of bars and restaurants in the city's Wall Street area, which includes popular spots for drinks like Greer Southern Table, Taco Guy, Alma Bistro Cocina Latina and both BJ Ryan's and BJ Ryan's BanC House among others.

Heron said Flying Scotsman's comfortable atmosphere and focus on quality is something he thinks will help his business stand out among other bars and lounges in the growing area.

"At Flying Scotsman, we understand that your free time is valuable," Heron said. "Our focus is to provide a place where you can enjoy consistently excellent drinks and good company in a lively, comfortable setting. This experience is built on reliable service and high standards, delivered time and again. No gimmicks, just great drinks and hospitality."

While the bar does offer some food options, Heron said Flying Scotsman's main focus is on drinks, as well as customers being able to socialize and enjoy great company.

"It's an ideal spot to gather with friends or meet new people," Heron said. "We're lucky to be surrounded by fantastic local restaurants, so our liveliest moments often happen before and after dinner, making it the perfect pre or post-dinner destination for a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere."

According to Heron, the bar's most popular cocktail is an Old Fashioned, followed closely by a Bee's Knees made with gin, honey and lavender.

Other classic cocktails like a Penicillin, Paper Plane and Black Manhattan have also become customer favorites, in addition to selections from the bar's extensive whisky list.

"With 30 years of industry experience across two continents, I've curated what I believe is one of the best whisky lists around," Heron said. "My mission is to source delicious and rare whiskies and price them affordably, ensuring they are accessible to my customers."

Customers looking to drop in for a drink or two at the Flying Scotsman can visit Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to midnight, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.