A New Orleans-based bar concept from hospitality group LeBLANC + SMITH called Barrel Proof is coming to the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville later this year, with an address of 1010 4th Ave N. It will neighbor DeSano’s Pizza, Von Elrod’s, and Neighbors Bar.
According to managing partners Jason Sorbet and Liam Deegan, the whiskey-centric concept will open this fall. “We are hoping for middle August at the earliest if our equipment orders arrive in time, but realistically I think early September,” Sorbet told What Now Nashville.
Sorbet and Deegan gave What Now Nashville some insight into what they have in store for Barrel Proof Nashville.
“We’re really excited to get open in Germantown, we can’t wait for the fall. This is our first location outside of Louisiana, my partner and I have three bar concepts in our group at LeBLANC + SMITH in NOLA. Nashville has a lot in common with New Orleans from its culture and music history. Most of all, it’s inspired us because we’ve enjoyed spending a lot of time here over the years. I’ve visited a bunch of times for fun, and Jason has some family members here. Every time I visit, I add a dozen or so new places to check out. We’re so excited to be a part of it all, and opening a bar makes it easier to do that,” Deegan said in an interview.
Although Barrel Proof became known for its famous old fashioned, the bar embraces spirits in every category. Its menu offers over 350 whiskeys and craft beers from the US and across the globe, and has even been revered for its margarita, which Sorbet and Deegan both claim as their favorite drink on the menu.
Along with its extensive drink offerings, Barrel Proof Nashville will have a focused food menu serving smashburgers and fries. “We’re going to start simple and then expand as demand requires. After the first few months, we’re hoping to look into hosting rotating pop-ups on a weekly basis. But, we’ll always have a great smashburger with fries available if not doing pop-ups,” Sorbet said.
Barrel Proof NOLA originally opened in 2014. Its Germantown location will mark its second bar in almost 10 years, though the brand may look into expanding with more locations in the future. However, nothing is currently confirmed.
“We’re taking it one location at a time right now,” Sorbet said.
“We really want our Nashville customers to know that Barrel Proof is a bar for everyone. When we say that, we mean if you want to have an experience that includes ripping cheap beer and shots, we have that. And if you want an experience tasting a $300 whiskey flight from random single barrels that we offer, we have that too. If you want a pitcher of margs with your friends, we also have that. Barrel Proof really prides itself on good drinks, good people, and good times as our motto,” Sorbet said.
Customers can stay up to date with Barrel Proof’s progress opening this fall in Germantown on its website and Instagram page.
