Whisky & Words is back, bringing us a round of eight new cocktails ($135 each) that are truly suited for any crowd. Whether you’re a whisky newbie, familiar with the team and the bottles behind the bar or stopping by for a delicious cocktail with friends, the modern library-themed bar caters to anyone looking for a good time. You’ll find an array of light, refreshing cocktails as well some of W&W’s boozy tipples containing their signature whiskies.
Starting our evening, we were greeted with the Fig Manhattan (top) and Green Hornet (bottom), which are at opposite ends of the booze and flavour profile spectrums. Sweet, warm, fruity and perfect for this holiday month, Fig Manhattan features 12-year Glendronach shaken with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino , a vermouth made using moscato that’s full of lush notes of dried fig and cocoa, and aromatic bitters.
On the other hand, Green Hornet is an ode to those who love a healthy green juice, but this one is spiked with Tanqueray gin. St-Germain elderflower liqueur adds sweetness to the mix of fresh cucumber, celery, green apple and mint. It’s all topped with egg white foam. Cucumber provided the overpowering taste on our palate, followed by subtle notes of tart green apple.
Light and dangerous, Midnight in Paris (top) and La Vie en Rose (bottom) add touches of soft femininity to the bar’s gentlemen’s club vibe. Citrusy, a bit tart and subtly earthy, Midnight in Paris is aromatic, with warm star anise mixed with sparkling wine, grapefruit, rosemary and Calvados.
La Vie en Rose is floral and fruity, made with Mancino white vermouth complemented by strawberry, rhubarb, rose water, Peychaud’s Bitters and soda. Its pretty pastel pink colour and slight fizz make the cocktail a very ladylike drink.
We were most impressed by Lost in Translation, which tastes like laksa soup in a glass (just add noodles)! Tito’s vodka, kaffir lime, lemongrass, coconut, galangal and milk are mixed in a centrifuge, removing any harsh textures and colours and creating a clear, silky-smooth cocktail. Spicy, sweet, sour and creamy at the same time, this cocktail is a one-of-a-kind creation.
Neverwinter Nights was recommended by the bartender and co-founder David Sit, but a warning – it’s one of the strongest cocktails on the menu. Buffalo Trace bourbon, lapsang souchong, chartreuse, ginger, honey and teapot bitters are shaken and poured into a ceramic cup. Garnished with a twist of lemon and fresh thyme, this drink is filled with intense, earthy flavours.
Verdict
With a new menu of original cocktails, Whisky & Words is well versed when playing around with different spirits that aren’t just whisky in order to create unique flavour profiles. While its location on Shin Hing Street feels very quiet and tucked away from the busy bars of Central, this is an ideal spot if your’e looking for a relaxed place to drink the night away.
7 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, 9889 8590
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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