For some reason a top shelf liquor selection usually goes along with a dress code.  I've spent many nights in my apartment clad only in a wifebeater and boxer shorts, downing glasses of some pretty fine bourbon, so why should going out be any different?  Now, I'm certainly not advocating that you show up at Char No. 4, a new whiskey and BBQ joint on Smith St., in your skivvies, but you can certainly leave the tie or stillettos at home.

Char No. 4, which had a soft open on Monday, is a welcome addition to the Brooklyn bar scene.  We showed up around 9:30pm to find a fairly full bar area, with a mix of businessmen and local twenty-somethings occupying the seats around us.  The decor is classy but hardly fancy, with a light wood bar and metal seats that recall stools from a Southern eatery.  The staff were friendly and engaging, and our bartender mentioned that with their selection of over 150 American whiskies, they have (to their knowledge) the largest selection in the city.
 

The back wall of the bar was awe-inspiring, with almost every bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whisky I could imagine represented.  Not to mention their selection of scotches and Japanese whiskey which was top-notch.  In addition to our drinks I ordered the chopped pork sandwich and eagerly awaited it's arrival. The sandwich was delicious, honestly some of the best barbecue that I've had in Brooklyn, and our bartender informed us that all of the meat is smoked onsite, and that they pickle their own peppers and onions.

The music in the bar was a mix of soul, country, and rock 'n roll, and while we were there we heard songs by Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and The Beatles.  The volume was far from overwhelming and very condusive to quiet conversation.  The whiskies are available in 1oz and 2oz sizes, which is perfect for trying as many as possible before you fall off the stool, and all are served neat with a side of ice.  They also offer a small cocktail selection and a limited amount of beer on tap, but with all this wonderful liquor, your best bet is to stick with the whiskey.

Short of dressing up and heading to lower Manhattan for a night out at Brandy Library, Char No. 4 is a perfect place to get your fix of whiskey.  The owners have obviously put thought into what niche they hoped to fill and pull it off admirably.  Hopefully Char No. 4 will show the elitists in Manhattan that Brooklyn is worthy of a place to get some quality liquors, even if you barely get dressed to do so.