Whiskey fans in San Antonio have a new hot spot where they can explore all sorts of whiskies in an upscale environment. Books: A Whiskey Society opened in Stone Oak (115 N. Loop 1604 E. #1105) in mid-December.

It’s the latest brand from the Gusto Group, a local company that owns several other high-end restaurants and bars, including Toro Kitchen and Bar, which is located in the same retail center as Books.

Visitors to Books can find a library-themed, speakeasy-styled lounge featuring dozens of classic, rare, and aged whiskies from around the world. Each whiskey is well-defined on a menu that includes that spirit’s age and country of origin. Books also has more than a dozen signature craft cocktails, such as The Fiery Star with Bulleit small-batch bourbon, and The Spitfire Duke with Old Forester 1920 Prohibition-Style 115 proof bourbon.

For the more adventurous guest, there are infused drinks, and Licor 43-based espresso cocktails. And for the more casual, Books has a small beer selection — Modelo, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra and Bourbon County barrel-aged ale — and a few wines on hand.

Patrons will also find a cigar bar, which offers nearly 30 cigar selections. Guests can buy a single cigar or get a box set, which they can enjoy on the patio.

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They can also sign up for The Whiskey Society, a paid monthly or annual membership that allows a cigar locker where one can securely store their cigar collection on site. Whiskey Society members also get a bottle locker, a monthly complimentary cigar, a complimentary snack mix, discounted event pricing, and priority booking for events and seating reservations.

Hungry guests may choose a provision such as pomme frites, fried chicken, or fried fish, have it tossed in a seasoning, and paired with two sauces of their choice.

Although the space is inspired by libraries, it doesn't function as one, so you might want to BYOB (bring your own book). However, there are games like dominoes on loan.

Hours of operation are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 pm to midnight, Fridays from 5 pm to 2 am, Saturdays from 3 pm to 2 am, and Sundays from 3 pm to midnight. Happy hour is offered Tuesdays through Fridays from 5-7 pm, offering 50 percent off all whiskey served neat and 15 percent off cigars. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 3-5 pm , with $5 off all food and cocktails.

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