Just Open: The Kilburn whisky bar, Hawthorn

Boilermakers – a shot of whisky with a beer chaser – were once the domain of ruddy-nosed old men and cool cats from American westerns. Not any more. Answering the prayers of Melbourne's peat-and-malt-loving inner-easters is the Kilburn, a warm and modish addition to Hawthorn's awakening bar scene. Its popular, rotating craft-and-aged combinations lead an astute drinks list comprising old-meets-new cocktails, boutique brews and a literal wall of spirits including 600-odd varieties of whisky.

"We don't want people to have to travel half an hour to have a decent nip," says Ben Baranow, owner and avid whisky collector. "It's great to be giving Hawthorn that injection of quality alcohol it's been waiting for."

Food, meanwhile, comes in the form of cheese plates, charcuterie and, soon, gourmet pizzas from nearby Santoni Pizza.

The leather-and-brass saloon inhabits the iconic Commercial Bank of Australia building, partly built by 19th-century architect Edward George Kilburn, and an entire room is dedicated to regular tasting events and whisky masterclasses.

Open Mon-Wed 4pm-1am; Thurs-Sat 4pm-3am.

The Kilburn, 348 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, 8528 6831.