Tartan House, a new whiskey lounge showcasing Scotch, is now open. Here's where to find it

In a city lined with bourbon bars, Tartan House is putting a twist on what you might expect from a Louisville whiskey lounge.

How so? It’s offering Scotch. And lots of it.

The new bar near the Butchertown and NuLu neighborhoods aims to set itself apart with a diverse collection of more than 30 options for Scotch.

Tartan House, named after the pattern associated with Scotland, opened Aug. 1 in, yes, a former house at 1027 E. Main St.

The trio behind Tartan House, Jeff Knott, Peyton Beall and Kyle Beall, joined forces to open the kind of bar that originally brought them together over 10 years ago. Back then, Knott was tending bar in Pensacola, Florida, and the Bealle couple became regulars.

Many conversations over drinks later, the idea for Tartan House was formed. And the friends all found themselves in Louisville, where Kyle Bealle works as a nurse anesthetist and Peyton Bealle got her footing in the hospitality industry with work at Peerless Distilling. They tapped Knott, who previously worked at Willett Distillery, as bar manager.

"This place was born out of how many friendships, relationships and really strong bonds we’ve made with people in this industry," Peyton Bealle said. "When I think of a bar being called a house, it evokes a warmth."

Upon entering the navy building, you see the 1,000-square-foot space was made with a welcoming atmosphere in mind. With a capacity of 50 people, multiple seating options include a long yellow velvet couch, plus accent chairs.

"We wanted it to feel like spooky New Orleans with an element of Scottish flare," Bealle said.

Hanging on purple and dark blue painted walls, funky artwork includes photos from Bealle’s own travels to Scotland, plaid prints and a taxidermized pig found at a local vintage store, who’s known as "Bertie" and is the bar’s mascot.

At the bar, there are plenty of green chairs for an up-close view of what’s available to order.

Along with familiar bourbon favorites like Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams and Jim Beam, patrons will see Scotch bottles with names like Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Benriach, and Glenmorangie.

"We want people, locals and tourists, to look at whiskey through a global lens," Bealle said. "I think people have a thirst for something different."

Starting out, Tartan House will focus on offering quality-made classic cocktails such as a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Bee Keeper. For something with scotch, try the “Bobby Burns,” made with Cocchi di Torino, benedictine, and bitters. Prices start at $12.

Plus, there’s a strong list of Scotch. Tartan House servers, Bealle said, love to make suggestions for Scotch newbies.

"We really wanted to provide something different for this community," she said. "We don’t want it to feel pretentious. We want everyone to feel welcome and for them to form friendships and bonds with our staff."

Tartan House opens at 4 p.m. daily.

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Tartan House, a whiskey lounge showcasing Scotch, opens in Louisville