Call Your Shots

In a harbor town known for watering holes, these liquor-focused bars assure that no matter your particular taste, there’s a port of call.

Bourbon

Tucked in a rowhouse a few blocks from Federal Hill’s most bar-heavy street, the refined yet informal Bluegrass Tavern has only 12 tables across two floors, while the bar itself features 30 rotating labels from top-shelf bourbon distilleries, including the coveted Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-Year-Old (an unforgettable connoisseurs' indulgence at $27 a glass). Building on a foundation of classic cocktails, the drink menu follows in the same farm-to-table philosophy as the cuisine, adding artisan flourishes such as Vermont maple liqueur (produced by former Bawlmers) to smooth the edges of a house signature Maker's Mark Manhattan. 1500 S Hanover St; 410-2445101; www.bluegrasstavern.com

Scotch

Finding parking in the waterfront Fell’s Point neighborhood can be as hard as navigating choppy waters, but once inside placid Birds of a Feather, Scotch whisky fans feel the wind back in their sails after eyeing more than 70 single malts. Sole proprietor Alicia Horn lives above the 30-year-old bar — which she lovingly calls her “hobby” — and she takes her time to quiz new visitors on their tastes, pours generously and prices affordably to allow sampling the gamut. Ultimately, this spot stands out for its appreciation of Scotch, classical music and unhurried conversation, all of which make for a dram good time. 1712 Aliceanna St; 410-6758466; www.abs.net/~scotchjh

Tequila

Across the Inner Harbor in Federal Hill's nightlife district, Blue Agave is a bilevel bar/restaurant dedicated to regional Mexican cuisine and 100% blue agave tequila. A steer’s skull peers down from exposed brick walls on more than 130 shaped glass and ceramic bottles, each holding tequila that the bartenders happily espouse. There are, of course, pitchers of margaritas, from the seasonally flavored (such as chili-infused Quavarita) to the purist Partida Margarita (fresh lime juice, agave nectar and an exclusive small-batch tequila). Tasting flights are offered — both vertical within distillery, and horizontal through brands across the three aging grades (blanco, reposado, añejo) — as well as out-of-production, limitededition and reserva selections, which come in brandy snifters and can run $20 to $66 a pour. 1032 Light St; 410-576-3938; www.blueagaverestaurant.com

Rum

Joe Squared has the mustard- and ketchup-colored walls of a casual restaurant, and the low black ceiling and band flyers of a dive bar. Indeed, it's happily both, catering dinner to families and later hosting a rowdier crowd looking to knock back some spirits, including more than 45 rums. Owner Joe Edwardsen suggests trying different bottlings neat, allowing patrons to identify the characteristics of different regional sugar canes and specific barrel aging. The 14 rum cocktails, meanwhile, feature all manner of housemade accents, from infused cayenne and ginger rums to peanut rum cream, as well as fresh rooftop-grown basil in an effervescent mojito. Fans of piña coladas steer clear; there are no blenders at work here. 133 W North Ave; 410-545-0444; www.joesquared.com