By Alexa Epitropoulos | aepitropoulos@alextimes.com

Longtime Old Town bar Union Street Public House will soon open a new whiskey-centric concept. 

Union Street Public House at 121 S. Union St. is opening 1986 – The Whiskey Bar in its recently renovated back bar area. The new concept will focus on handcrafted cocktails, with a heavy emphasis on whiskey- and bourbon-based selections.

The new bar, occupying 1,200 square feet, pulls from Union Street Public House’s history. It’s named as a homage to Union Street Public House’s first year in business – 1986 – and has many cocktails named after moments in Union Street’s history. 

A news release said 1986 will have more than 100 whiskey selections, as well as aged spirits like rum and tequila. Signature cocktails will include The Irish Brigade, consisting of vanilla Jameson with cold brewed chamomile tea and luxardo; the Border War, a tequila, rye, sweet vermouth and ancho reyes creation; Boulevardier, a bourbon, sweet vermouth and Campari cocktail and the Old Cuban, made of Bacardi 8, mint, bitters, cava, lime and simple syrup.

The bar will accommodate up to 36 people and will be open four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m.