The bar area at Director’s Cut serves 700 whiskey varieties. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
DIRECTOR’S CUT BY THE WHISKY BAR KLG3A & G5, Menara Ken TTDI, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 4pm-2am Reservation: 012-800 5902
Inspired by the vibe at modern whiskey distilleries and grand hotel bars, the interior of Director’s Cut by The Whisky Bar Kuala Lumpur features pipes to reflect pot stills and dark gold trimmings.
It serves 700 whiskey varieties, of which 600 are served by the glass.
The bar even has a chemist to take the experience of drinking cocktails to a whole new level.
This scientific method is used in making its Espresso Martini, which is crystal clear.
A contraption called “rotavap” (rotary evaporators used for removing solvents by evaporation) is used to manipulate water temperature to get a clear aromatic elixir, so a chemist is essential to ensure everything is on point.
Whiskey Sour fans should also try the New York version called New York Sour Upside Down, as a red wine float is poured over whiskey sour.
It is “upside down” because the red wine reduction drops to the bottom, creating the illusion of layers in the glass.
Another cocktail to note is the Littlefall, a fruity apple concoction.
The bar positions itself as a friendly yet classy and warm neighbourhood restaurant and bar, so one can go there just for a pint.
Its three private rooms are aptly named William Grant, Samuel Boyd and Shinjiro Torii, all icons of the whiskey world. ATTIC BARNo.15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 5pm to 1am (Sunday to Thursday) and 5pm to 2am (Friday and Saturday) Reservations: 012-393 8627Nestled above a guesthouse, the rooftop Attic Bar is accessible through a spiral staircase.
Cocktails here are named after characters of popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones and the bar has been banking on the show’s popularity since opening in 2015.
One of its top-selling cocktails, Dragon Lady – a mix of vodka, dragonfruit, passionfruit, lime and egg white – takes inspiration from the character Khaleesi aka Daenerys Targaryen.
Cocktails such as Gadis Tuak with tuak (locally brewed rice wine), lime, Calpis and pandan are also worth a try for that distinctive local flavour.
And if tuak is something you enjoy, there are tuak shots to savour too.
BAIJIU KLLot 4, Lorong Panggung, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 5pm until late daily Reservations: 010-266 6093Stepping into Baijiu at Kwai Chai Hong in Lorong Panggung is like being transported to an Oriental setting replete with Chinese-inspired motifs.
The unique thing here is the use of baijiu (Chinese grain liquor) – a strong distinctive alcohol base that is often described as having a sweet fruity fragrance with a touch of nuttiness – in cocktails.
Twelve signature cocktails paired with tropical fruits like pink guava, jackfruit and pineapple as well as the popular baijiu shots await.
Baijiu-based cocktails such as Pisang and Lotus Pink tantalise with fruity flavours before the grain liquor dominates.
Those hankering for a bite to eat have dim sum options to go with the cocktails.
G-STRING KLNo.147, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 5pm until late Reservations: 013-938 6322As its name suggests, G-string cocktail bar strives to create a sexy, intimate setting for guests.
The “G” in its name represents gin, a lighter liquor option that appeals to women and used in most of the cocktails here.
The bar’s interior has pink neon lighting, floral sofas and lacy decorations on the ceiling while vintage TV sets, radios and lamps of co-owner Desvin Tew flank the bar.
The watering hole revamped its cocktail menu recently.
Signature drinks here include Blue Bird Paradise, which is a mix of gin, sour grapefruit, Blue Curacao and yuzu, while the more spirit-forward Bible Black is a concoction of whiskey and yuzu.
Some of the more fruity combinations include Watermelon Sugar High, which is a mix of brandy, Lillet Rose, watermelon liquor, elderflower and fresh watermelon.
HER HOUSENo.63D, Jalan Sultan, Chinatown, KL Business hours: 5pm to 1am daily Reservations: 017-227 3220Her House is a hidden bar in a historical building that was once an antique store and mahjong cafe in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Open since January, it offers an intimate and comfortable space for dates and parties.
One of its signature cocktails, Most Wanted, is made of lard soaked in baijiu, cognac, sherry, honey, fresh orange and lemon juice served with a piece of pork jerky.
Flirt and Romance is a concoction of salmon fat-washed vodka, honey soy ginger glaze, fresh lemon and orange juice.
Other cocktails to try out here include What If, Envy Me and Green Curtain.
Draft Guinness, shooters, gin, whiskey and vodka are also available.
