I visited Purdue to hang out with some friends for the Purdue/MSU football. BTFU!!! I was in the hotel room recovering from the W last night and I was just watching football on TV. Then I saw an advertisement for 648 Bourbon and Cigar Lounge on TV. I looked it up and I saw it was located right downtown Lafayette and not out near the highway. If you follow me, then you know I am a Bourbon Enthusiast so I had to check it out after dinner at Nine Irish Brothers on a Sunday night. I was pretty much the only person there on a Sunday night, but a few industry people came into the bar and we had a good time!
The atmosphere is very cool! It was super cozy with a warm/modern vibe. They have a TV and a poker table in the back along with a nice upstairs and decent sized bar. The chairs at the tables looked insanely comfy and it was a lounge like environment. Quiet background music too so you can have a conversation.
They say Bourbon and Cigars, but they are also a cocktail bar and they have lots of wine. I didn't try their food as I just ate dinner, but they offer that as well. I wasn't going to smoke a cigar as I smoked a lot of Hookah last night, but another patron smoked one and it smelled really good so I was like YOLO. I only smoke cigars a few times a year so I am a noob when it comes to them. I like sweeter cigars as they are easier on the stomach and Ryan, the bartender, gave me a great recommendation, the Acid Blondie. It was a smaller cigar, but it was very smooth and definitely sweet! Prices weren't outrageous either.
648's whiskey selection is quite expansive and one of the best I've seen! Definitely the best in the Lafayette/West Lafayette area and it beats a lot of places in Chicago because of their prices. They have some a lot of unicorns like some of the Pappy Van Winkle collection, George T Stagg, Stagg Jr., Weller, EHT, etc. They also have Eaglerare, Blanton's, and a ton of others at all price ranges. I ordered a Weller Full Proof, Little Book (Chapter 4 or 5 probably), Old Fashioned (Killed off their Sazerac Rye), and Bradshaw's Bourbon to celebrate the Purdue W! Overall, their prices were pretty good and then some whiskey prices were pretty bad. That happens at a whiskey bar, but you can definitely find some good deals here and their prices are good overall.
Ryan, the bartender was great! He made me an amazing Old Fashioned (with a big rock) and he had a great cigar recommendation for me. I didn't try their food, but that would be something to try next time. 648 has a prime location right in downtown Lafayette next to DT Kirby's. This is definitely a great place to come and socialize with friends and they have an awesome layout. If you are a Bourbon Enthusiast and love cigars, cocktail fan, or wine lover, then you should definitely give this place a try! read more