There just wasn’t a good whiskey bar in Tracy, California, where Kevin Cox was working as a contractor. “I had to create one,” he says. After opening a Purgatory in Tracy, the Colville native unveiled a second location in Spokane. The businesses are named for an area in Colorado where Cox has spent much of his time — outdoors, enjoying the company of friends and family, and of course drinking good whiskey. Purgatory Spokane is in its fourth year and thriving.
But with so many options, it can be hard to choose. So why not try a flight? “Our staff is very knowledgeable,” Cox says, noting each bartender has created a namesake set of sips.
As for food, Purgatory’s menu offers rotating selections featuring unique and creative offerings. The menu’s best-selling item is the elk burger with beer mustard and roasted garlic aioli. Sometimes whiskey meets meat, as in the case of the whiskey-crusted smoked pork ribs. Roasted goat cheese with blueberries is a splendid starter, while the honey-fried chicken tacos will have you licking your fingers. For dessert, it’s only fitting to end with whiskey, so dive right into a slice of bourbon caramel sauce cheesecake.
TASTE THE AGAVE
It’s the fastest-growing sector of the spirit world, and right next door to Purgatory you’ll find a massive selection of all things agave. Owner Kevin Cox is adding to the 340-plus options by the day and plans to offer 1,000 agave choices, along with a wall of more than 350 different rums. Inside the spacious Agave Bar with its 17-foot rollup garage-style window opening onto downtown Spokane, you can try their tequila and mezcal flights and agave-based specialty cocktails. Agave Bar also features a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience on its beautifully crafted patio, with comfortable seating for 50.
