W Coffee & Co Jordan Wisnewski opens Wave – Whisky and Vodka bar

Just in time for the merry season, Toowoomba’s first dedicated whisky bar is opening – whether the city is ready for it or not. Meet the man pouring the whisky:

Jordan Wisnewski, owner of W coffee and Co is opening up Toowoomba's first whiskey bar, Wave Whiskey and Vodka. November 27, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

What do a couple of shelves of whisky, a successful coffee business, an arcade, and a whisky aficionado have in common?

The Garden City is set to find out this Friday as W Coffee and Co owner Jordan Wisnewski transforms his cafe into a dedicated whisky bar.

The former audiovisual technician turned hospitality boss said he always wanted to open a whisky bar, so he decided to take action.

Nestled in the Australia Arcade between Ruthven and Duggan streets, Wave – Whisky and Vodka will add to one of the CBD’s most boutique night time destinations, alongside Uva Wine Bar, Sante Cocktail Bar and Loulaki.

Jordan Wisnewski, owner of W coffee and Co is opening up Toowoomba's first whisky bar, Wave Whisky and Vodka. November 27, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

Admittedly, Mr Wisnewski said he is not sure if Toowoomba is ready for its first dedicated whisky bar, but he certainly is.

“I’m ready for one, it’s niche, if we get 20 people through a night, that’s all we need,” he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed my whisky, I’ve always enjoyed my drinks, it’s always something I’ve wanted to do. It was impossible to do a cocktail bar two years ago, but now it’s something I’ve been able to pull off.”

He said his small cafe has “thrived” in the past year in which he has doubled his seating space.

One whisky he was excited to have on his shelf is Big Kettle, a fruity South Australian whisky with caramel toffee notes.

South Australian whisky Big Kettle is one of the whiskeys on offer Toowoomba's first dedicated whisky bar. Picture: Christine Schindler

“It is really seriously, nice whisky,” he said.

It sits alongside a Glen Scotia, whisky club special edition.

“We’ll always have a whisky club whisky, or a collection of whisky club whiskeys,” he said.

With the extra space, a liquor licence, and a cabinet of whisky he is ready to bring the bar into the holiday season with live music from 4pm this Friday.

“It’ll just be really fun, you can just come in, grab your drink and enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.

Wave Whisky and Vodka will be open Friday and Saturday nights, and then from December 16 – 21 leading up to Christmas.