Best Bars in Reno for Craft Spirits and Experimental Cocktails
Reno has quietly become a destination for craft spirit lovers who crave more than the standard cocktail menu. Beyond the neon lights and casino floors, the city has built a thriving craft beverage scene rooted in innovation, experimentation, and a strong sense of community. For those seeking smooth spirits, unexpected flavor combinations, and bars that value process as much as presentation, Reno delivers in a big way.
At the center of this movement is 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing, a standout among Reno’s best bars for craft spirits and experimental cocktails. Located on Mill Street in a beautifully restored historic building, 10 Torr blends science-driven distillation with a laid-back taproom atmosphere. The result is a place where curious drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, and locals looking for a great night out all feel at home.
Whether you’re chasing award-winning vodka and gin, sipping a crisp Pilsner, or trying a cocktail you won’t find anywhere else. Reno’s craft bar scene led by innovators like 10 Torr, offer something refreshingly different.
For years, Reno was best known for classic casino bars and late-night lounges. While those staples still exist, a new generation of craft-focused bars has reshaped the city’s nightlife. These establishments emphasize quality ingredients, thoughtful techniques, and a willingness to experiment.
Craft cocktail lovers in Reno aren’t just looking for strong drinks, they want balance, flavor clarity, and originality. Bars that succeed here understand that a great cocktail starts with exceptional spirits and ends with an experience that feels intentional, not rushed.
This shift mirrors what’s happening in larger cities, but Reno’s version feels more personal. Bartenders know their regulars. Distillers talk openly about their process. And spaces are designed for conversation as much as consumption. That’s why places like 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing stand out: they embody everything that makes Reno’s craft bar scene special.
10 Torr Distilling & Brewing has earned its reputation through consistency, innovation, and deep community involvement. In 2025, the distillery was named Best Distillery in Northern Nevada in the Readers’ Picks, a recognition driven by local votes rather than industry hype. This kind of award matters because it reflects real customer loyalty, people returning again and again because the quality never slips.
The team openly credited their staff and community for the win, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the brand. Awards like this don’t come from one standout drink; they come from years of delivering excellent experiences night after night.
In 2026, 10 Torr received additional recognition at the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport release party. Having participated in the program for all five years, the distillery was honored for its long-term commitment to Nevada’s craft beverage ecosystem. Events like these bring together breweries, distilleries, and craft fans, and 10 Torr’s presence has been a constant.
Visitors often mention how knowledgeable and approachable the staff is. Whether you’re sampling the Oh Honey! Honey Blonde Ale, Lavender Lemonade Draft Cocktail, or a flight of vacuum-distilled spirits, the team takes time to explain what makes each offering unique. These conversations transform a simple tasting into an educational experience—and that’s part of why 10 Torr consistently ranks among the best bars in Reno.
What truly sets 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing apart is its use of vacuum distillation, a method rarely found in traditional distilleries. Unlike conventional distillation, which relies on high heat, vacuum distillation lowers the boiling point of alcohol by reducing atmospheric pressure. This allows spirits to be distilled at much lower temperatures.
The result is remarkably smooth vodka, gin, rum, American single malt whiskey, coffee liqueur and more that retain delicate flavor compounds often lost in standard processes. Harsh notes are minimized, and natural ingredients shine through with clarity.
These spirits form the backbone of 10 Torr’s experimental cocktail menu. Drinks like Amantes Picantes, which balances heat and sweetness, or Lavender Lemonade, which layers floral notes with citrus brightness, showcase how clean spirits elevate every component of a cocktail. Nothing overpowers anything else.
Founded in 2015 by engineers and scientists, 10 Torr takes a hands-on approach to innovation. The team designs and builds much of its own equipment, allowing for precise control over every step of production. This technical foundation gives them freedom to experiment without compromising consistency.
Beyond spirits, the same attention to detail applies to their beers. From Honey Blonde ales to seasonal releases like Dorinda Listen Salted Caramel Pastry Stout featuring neighboring chocolatier, Dorinda;s Chocolates Salted Caramel, brewing at 10 Torr mirrors the precision of distillation. Ready-to-drink options and take-home bottles expand the experience beyond the taproom, making it easy for fans to enjoy their favorites anywhere.
Sustainability also plays a role. Efficient processes and thoughtful sourcing appeal to modern drinkers who care about how products are made. In Reno’s evolving bar landscape, this combination of innovation and responsibility sets 10 Torr apart.
Craft cocktail fans flock to Reno bars that aren’t afraid to experiment. At 10 Torr, experimentation isn’t a gimmick—it’s baked into the culture. Bartenders treat the cocktail menu as a living project, refining recipes and introducing new ideas regularly.
Using vacuum-distilled spirits allows them to explore subtle flavor profiles that might otherwise be masked. Herbal notes, spice infusions, and seasonal ingredients all have room to shine. The cocktails feel intentional and balanced, never cluttered.
For guests, this means every visit can feel different. A favorite cocktail might still be there, but there’s always something new to try. This sense of discovery keeps people coming back and positions 10 Torr as a must-visit for anyone serious about craft cocktails in Reno.
Great drinks are only part of what makes a bar memorable. At 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing, the taproom doubles as a social hub where events bring the community together.
Live Music, trivia competitions, and rotating food trucks turn an evening out into something interactive. Trivia teams gather around tables, sipping experimental cocktails while debating answers. Line dancing fills the patio with laughter and movement. These events break down barriers between strangers and create an easy, welcoming vibe.
Guided tastings during events introduce guests to new spirits and beers, often sparking conversations that continue long after the glass is empty. Dog-friendly policies mean no one has to leave their four-legged companion at home, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Pop-up events and surprise collaborations keep the calendar fresh. Regulars never quite know what’s coming next, which adds to the excitement. Reno locals appreciate bars that feel alive, not repetitive, and 10 Torr delivers that energy consistently.
The setting plays a huge role in the overall experience, and 10 Torr’s location enhances everything they do. Housed in a historic brick building on Mill Street, the taproom blends old Reno charm with modern design.
High ceilings, exposed brick, and custom metal artwork create an industrial yet inviting space. Indoor and outdoor seating flow seamlessly, making the taproom comfortable year-round. Thoughtful details around the bar from purse hooks at every seat and outlets for charging devices for visitor use all show a commitment to guest comfort.
The outdoor patio area is dog-friendly and pairs perfectly with rotating food trucks. Guests can sip gin flights or seasonal beers while enjoying local cuisine in a relaxed outdoor setting. The space feels equally suited for casual afternoons and lively evenings.
Located near the National Automobile Museum, the taproom is convenient for visitors while still feeling authentically local. Even on busy nights, the layout allows staff to move efficiently and keep service smooth. It’s the kind of place where people plan to stop by for one drink and end up staying for hours.
Reno’s best bars for craft spirits and experimental cocktails share a few key traits: quality, creativity, and community. 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing embodies all three.
Award recognition confirms their excellence, but it’s the day-to-day experience that truly matters. From vacuum-distilled spirits and inventive cocktails to engaging events and a welcoming historic space, every element feels intentional.
Craft enthusiasts don’t just come for a drink, they come for an experience that feels thoughtful, social, and distinctly Reno. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor exploring the city’s hidden gems, 10 Torr offers a clear example of how far Reno’s craft bar scene has come.
Reno’s craft spirits scene continues to grow, but places like 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing lead the way. Their combination of science-driven distillation, experimental cocktails, community-focused events, and a stunning taproom makes them a standout destination.
Visit their Mill Street location to sample award-winning spirits, enjoy inventive cocktails, or join a guided tour to learn more about vacuum distillation. Whether you’re sipping a smooth vodka, discovering a new favorite gin, or dancing the night away at a taproom event, you’ll see why craft lovers consider it one of the best bars in Reno.
For anyone chasing unique flavors and memorable nights out in Reno, 10 Torr in particular delivers far more than expected.
