I didn’t expect a tiny Greek island to have a whisky and rum bar worth of mention on All But Drams but here we are. Sure, there are pubs, bars and dives in all corners of the world with modest and lovingly curated selections but Meganisi, with a population of under 1,000, has one that is worth the (boat) detour should you find yourself among the Ionian Islands.

Boom Boom: The Bar is an island institution that’s nearly 30 years old with a whisky and rum selection that would impress even in a city centre. Situated in the village of Vathy this harbourside bar blends in with the many tavernas and cafes surrounding it, at least from the outside. Inside is a rock & roll adorned seating area as well as a bar which blends classic dark wood and green with the local stone construction. Behind the bar is a towering and overwhelming selection of bottles rammed in until there’s no more room. Across a one week trip I visited the bar six times to try rums, whiskies and cocktails outside on the harbour next to the boats as the sun set over the nearby hills.

A count of the menu reveals around 130 whiskies and 150 rums alongside a cocktail menu that covers the classics of both spirits as well as fresh new inventions. Those cocktails are the stars of the show. I tried two classics: Old Fashioned and Penicillin alongside three of their signature creations. Bad Penny, a twist on a highball with apricot. Paranoid, their take on a Rum Old Fashioned with chocolate notes and plenty of rich spice. Finally, their showstopper tiki monstrosity with a blend of nine rums. To say this packs a punch was an understatement. All these cocktails came out well balanced and full of flavour.

The whiskies and rums come served in a Glencarin if you ask for them neat or a balloon tumbler if you ask for ice. They all come with a small piece of dark chocolate and some nuts. It’s the tiny little flourishes like this that set Boom Boom apart from many other bars. Most rounds are also accompanied by complementary cheese sticks or pretzels too. It all arrives fast and delivered by welcoming staff.

Some folks can enjoy a whisky in any weather but with every day above 35 ºC I only had one whisky neat. I went for a Craigellachie 13, not out of any great science but because it was one of the cheaper offerings on the menu that I hadn’t tried before and was on my hit list. On the rum front I picked two I’d enjoyed previously at The Whisky Exchange Rum Show: Ron Abuelo 12 and English Harbour 10. Both of these are aged in whisky barrels and what I call “conversion tots” for whisky fans – sweet, oaky and low (but not free from) rum funk.

All spirits at Boom Boom are 50ml and the pricing is a mixed bag. We’re on a Greek island so you’d expect things to be expensive but the menu, to a keen eyed drinks nerd, hides bargains and rip-offs galore. A double of Port Charlotte 10 for €18? Decent. Angel’s Envy Bourbon for €25? Hell no!  Pictures of the full menu are on a slideshow below for you curious folks to make up your own minds. However, when you compare these prices to the other bars and restaurants in town you’ll see its competitive for the area. If you also remember you’re on a small island, thousands of miles from the distilleries, the sting is really taken out of the costs.

If you happen to be on Meganisi or sailing the Ionian sea then this is an ideal stop for a drink. Not many places in the world have this much whisky/rum and room to moor your vessel outside too.