Whether you're a wine enthusiast seeking the perfect pairing or a bourbon aficionado looking to explore new expressions, Monmouth County offers options beyond the typical sports bar pours. The best establishments curate their selections carefully, train their staff to guide you, and create environments where sipping becomes an experience rather than just a drink.
Building a Great Wine Program
What separates a thoughtful wine list from a generic one? It comes down to curation, education, and service:
- Range without overwhelm: A well-edited list offers variety without requiring a sommelier certification to navigate
- By-the-glass options: Quality wines available by the glass let you explore without committing to a bottle
- Food-friendly selections: Wines chosen to complement the menu, not just fill space
- Knowledgeable staff: Bartenders and servers who can describe wines and make recommendations
- Proper storage and service: Whites chilled correctly, reds at proper temperature, appropriate glassware
Wine at The Squire
Our wine program is designed to complement our menu—which means selections that pair beautifully with steaks, seafood, and pasta.
Wine Categories to Know
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold, tannic reds that stand up to ribeye and porterhouse
- Pinot Noir: Lighter reds with earthy complexity, versatile with many dishes
- Chardonnay: From crisp and mineral to rich and oaky—pairs with lobster and cream sauces
- Sauvignon Blanc: Bright acidity that cuts through rich dishes and complements seafood
The Art of Bourbon
Bourbon has experienced a renaissance. What was once your grandfather's drink is now celebrated for its complexity, craftsmanship, and regional character. A quality bourbon bar offers:
- Variety of expressions: From smooth wheated bourbons to spicy high-rye mashbills
- Range of price points: Accessible daily pours alongside special occasion bottles
- Proper service: Appropriate glassware, the option for a single large ice cube or neat
- Knowledge: Staff who can explain the differences between distilleries and expressions
Bourbon Selection at The Squire
Our bourbon selection spans the spectrum from approachable classics to allocated special releases. Whether you're new to bourbon or seeking something specific, our bartenders can guide you to the right pour.
Bourbon Styles to Explore
- Wheated Bourbon: Maker's Mark, Weller—softer, sweeter profile with less spice
- High-Rye Bourbon: Bulleit, Four Roses Single Barrel—spicier, more assertive character
- Traditional: Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey—balanced expressions that showcase bourbon's classic profile
- Small Batch: Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve—premium selections with more complexity
- Single Barrel: Unique bottles from individual barrels, each with distinct character
Craft Cocktails: Where It Comes Together
For those who prefer their spirits mixed, a quality cocktail program transforms premium ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts:
- Old Fashioned: The classic bourbon cocktail—spirit-forward with a touch of sweetness and bitters
- Manhattan: Bourbon or rye with sweet vermouth and bitters, stirred to perfection
- Whiskey Sour: Balanced citrus and sweetness that highlights the whiskey
- Mint Julep: Refreshing and Southern, perfect on a warm evening
The Bar Experience
Beyond what's in the glass, the environment matters. The Squire's bar offers comfortable seating, warm lighting, and an atmosphere conducive to conversation and contemplation. Whether you're starting with happy hour drinks before dinner or settling in for an evening of exploration, the bar is designed for lingering.
Pairing Wine & Bourbon with Food
The best drinking experiences often involve food. Consider these pairings:
- Ribeye + Cabernet: Bold flavors that complement each other's intensity
- Lobster + Chardonnay: Rich seafood with buttery, oaky wine
- Bourbon + Dark Chocolate: Caramel and vanilla notes meet cocoa
- Bourbon + Blue Cheese: The sweetness cuts through the pungency
- Prosecco + Appetizers: Bubbles cleanse the palate between bites
Special Occasions
Certain occasions call for something special in the glass:
- Valentine's Day: Champagne to start, a special bottle of wine with dinner
- Father's Day: That bourbon he's been wanting to try
- New Year's Eve: Champagne at midnight, of course
- Date Night: A bottle to share, selected with input from your server
Explore at Your Pace
Whether you're a devoted wine collector, bourbon enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-made drink, The Squire offers the selection, service, and setting to make your visit memorable. Stop by the bar, ask our bartenders for recommendations, and discover something new.
Ready to Explore?
Join us at the bar for wines, bourbons, and craft cocktails.
