WHEN a bar reflects the character of its city, its cocktails tell a story.
George Bar distils the essence of George Town into its design and drinks to create a layered experience.
This, along with some Art Deco touches, recalls the island’s history as a British outpost.
More intriguing, however, are the details.
The bar counter features rows of drawers complete with handles. While that may seem like a random design choice, it actually pays homage to the site’s past.
“The building that originally stood here was built in the early 1900s. It was initially the Teik Bin Chinese dispensary and later it became the Australian Hotel.
“The drawers reference the cabinets used by such dispensaries,” shared the hotel’s marketing communications manager Cyrus Lim.
The hotel gave way to a sundry shop prior to World War II.
Other businesses came and went in the ensuing decades.
The structure eventually fell into ruin and the site became an open-air carpark by the turn of the millennium.
Construction of the 92-room The George Penang began in 2017 and it opened in 2022.
Today, the hotel is a distinctive landmark thanks to its grand Georgian facade, drawing many visitors to the small public square across the road for photographs.
The connection to history and place continues behind the bar, which recently introduced a trio of cocktails crafted with locally made spirits.
At the heart of Raksasa Tropika is gula melaka rum, which lends the drink a warm, molasses-like sweetness.
Orange, watermelon and lime juices bring a fresh, tropical character while fizzy ginger ale keeps the finish lively.
Nutmeg Whisper spotlights one of Penang’s most beloved local ingredients through a blend of nutmeg gin, nutmeg, orange and lime juices, as well as syrup and soda.
It evokes a classic Negroni, but has greater complexity and layers beyond the characteristic bitterness.
Fragrant oils expressed from orange peel add an aromatic dimension.
Then there is Kampung Spritz built on craft mijiu, a Chinese-style rice wine that lends the libation a subtly sweet, fermented character.
Rum gives it further depth, while sour plum, triple sec and soda bring a pleasing balance of tang and refreshment.
“This locally produced series of spirits are rather unique and allow guests to discover the flavours of Penang and Malaysia with every sip,” Lim added.
Beyond these specials, George Bar also offers an impressive selection of classic cocktails for those who prefer something familiar.
The George Mojito is a subtle Malaysian twist on the well-known Cuban refresher, combining white rum with mint, lime and gula melaka for a clean and refreshing profile.
For something more robust, the Manhattan is a compelling choice with its tried and trusted mix of bourbon and sweet vermouth.
The former brings smoky spice, while the latter contributes caramel and vanilla nuances.
It is a rather grown-up drink, with assertive spirit notes taking centre stage.
Other options include the Tom Collins, Tequila Sunrise, Mai Tai, Black Russian, Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martini and Long Island Tea.
The non-alcoholic mocktails are just as tantalising.
Nyonya Punch lives up to its name with a bold mix of pandan, coconut syrup, coconut milk and pineapple juice.
Among the others are Summer Sour with lime juice, asam boi, lemon and soda; and Sunrise with peach syrup, orange juice and grenadine.
Perhaps the most enticing of all is the Buy 1, Free 1 promo for all concoctions, running from 12pm to 8pm daily, public holidays included.
With list prices starting from RM20+ for mocktails and RM35+ for cocktails, it is one of the best deals in the city.
So sit back, take a sip and watch the Unesco World Heritage-listed city unfold outside.
A live band also plays every Monday to Saturday from 8pm to 11pm.
GEORGE BAR, Ground Floor, The George Penang by The Crest Collection, Penang Road, George Town, Penang. (Tel: 04-291 9000 / 011-5501 9000) Business hours: noon to midnight.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
