Discovering sense of taste through flight of cocktails

A bartender making cocktails at Jann, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.

THE sweetness of rose syrup and acidity of red wine in a cocktail called Tian readies the palate for an elevation in tastes in the unique Six Senses Flight by Jann experience.

Tian is one of six bottled cocktails designed to excite the sense of taste as one progresses through this unique flight of cocktails at Jann in Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.

Exploring the six basic tastes, the collection of cocktails carry Mandarin names — Tian (sweet), Suan (sour), Ku (bitter), La (spicy), Xián (salty) and Xian (umami).

To get the best out of the cocktails, try them in that sequence to appreciate the elevation in taste but there is no hard and fast rule to this.

The sour appeal in Suan is the result of combining Jameson Irish whiskey, pineapple liqueur, pineapple juice and lime juice.

The combination was on point, giving the drink a zesty and fruity taste.

Ku’s local touch is found in the addition of pandan and coffee to a mixture of Absolut Vodka and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

“We wanted to use ingredients that people are familiar with, ” said Jann bar manager Kelvin Lee who was among the bartenders who concocted the series.

“For example, coffee is something Malaysians love and it offers hints of bitterness when mixed in a cocktail.

“Another example is pandan and cili padi which are used in our cocktails.”

Hotel general manager Abhimanyu Singh said, “Ready-to-drink, contactless cocktails are the next step in the craft cocktail experience.

“Just pour over ice, garnish and enjoy with friends.”

The spicy cocktail, La, was better than expected.

The taste of cili padi is nicely balanced by the tropical taste of mango juice, ginger, calamansi and Olmeca Tequila.

Xian (umami) with the smokey notes of a 12-year-old Chivas is my favourite.

The addition of Umami Bitters gives the drink depth which is harmonious in taste with a touch of longan syrup.

The Six Senses Flight is available at RM138nett.

Jann also serves bar snacks such as Smoked Salmon Spring Roll with Remoulade Sauce, gyoza with pickled ginger and black vinegar, satay with peanut sauce, sambal, rice cake and cucumber, chicken loh bak with lime chilli dip, and Wing Dings (fried wings with fermented beancurd).

Enjoy a selection of beer and wine for RM15 during happy hours from 4pm to 9pm or select any two locally-inspired cocktails for RM40.

For reservations, call 03-2035 7333.