Langkawi watering hole crafts uniquely Malaysian drinking experience
MOST banks safeguard assets, but one trendsetting establishment in Langkawi, Kedah, invites guests to savour them.
At Cellar Bank in Kuah, treasures takes the form of rare whiskies and top-shelf spirits spanning a diverse range of styles, distilleries and regions.
As Langkawi’s first hybrid retail bottle shop and cocktail bar, Cellar Bank is also well-known for its artisanal concoctions.
Crafted with the same premium spirits, these thoughtful libations unveil new layers of flavour with every sip.
The outlet’s concept came about by chance.
“It all began with sample bottles my husband received as a spirits wholesaler.
“When we opened our retail shop, I started using them to create simple cocktails for customers,” said co-owner Ange Ch’ng.
“I quickly realised people became far more interested in a spirit after experiencing it in a drink.”
Her simple experiment evolved into something bigger.
After opening in 2017, Cellar Bank established itself as one of Langkawi’s leading cocktail destinations.
“At the time, most of the island’s popular watering holes were concentrated around Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah.
“We felt Kuah deserved a place of its own,” said Ch’ng.
“The hybrid concept allowed us to spark curiosity, educate customers and introduce them to new ways of enjoying the spirits they love.
“It also inspired us to explore better spirits and craft better drinks with a distinct Malaysian identity.
“We wanted every cocktail to be a conversation starter and every sip to tell a story,” she said.
That inventive spirit is best exemplified by the “Ikat Tepi” series, a playful take on the classic Mojito, served in the quintessential local plastic drink packet.
Available in classic, asam boi, strawberry and lychee variants, the much-loved, refreshing tipple is given grab-and-go convenience.
“We came up with the idea during the (Covid-19) pandemic when dine-in wasn’t allowed.
“Malaysians love their drinks in packets, so we thought why not let them ‘tapau’ their tipples too?” Ch’ng recalled.
That same sense of whimsy carries through the rest of Cellar Bank’s signature creations including the Popcorn Sour.
Reimagining the Whiskey Sour, it layers popcorn notes over a honey-forward whiskey base.
What results is something subtly sweet yet savoury, reminiscent of a night at the movies.
It is accompanied by a serving of homemade popcorn, presented either on a tray or in a theatre-style popcorn box for a touch of nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Bobo Cha-Cha pays homage to a beloved local dessert through a combination of vodka, sweet potato, oat milk and lemon juice, plus a side of glutinous rice balls for added texture.
Smoke In Your Eye lives up to its name with wisps of hickory smoke enveloping a botanical blend of gin, herbal liqueur, bitters and lime juice.
A bright, aromatic tribute to the family’s long-standing wholesale liquor business, Since 1982 combines Ch’ng’s forebear’s favourite Chinese baijiu with black raspberry liqueur, pineapple and lime juices, pink peppercorns and a dusting of orange peel.
Other crowd favourites include Ginger Monkey which combines whiskey with elderflower and lime juice; Mint To Be of bourbon, mint and syrup; First Love featuring whiskey, peach, Earl Grey tea and lemon juice; as well as Fall on Spice where rum meets ginger flower, lychee, lime and lemongrass.
“We’ll be turning 10 next October.
“Looking back, it’s amazing to see how we’ve grown from a small bottle shop into a space where people come to discover new spirits, experience creative cocktails and share memorable moments,” Ch’ng said.
The outlet accommodates up to 30 patrons and regularly hosts guest shifts, masterclasses and sharing sessions by local and international mixologists as well as brand ambassadors.
Guests can order dishes from its sister restaurant next door.
Cellar Bank’s expertise extends beyond its four walls, through bespoke bartending services for weddings, corporate functions and private events nationwide.
Clients can customise cocktail menus and bar setups, and have the bar’s award-winning mixologists shake up beverages on-site.
CELLAR BANK, No.25 Jalan Pandak Mayah 5, Cayman Complex, Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah. (Tel: 012-7431031). Business hours: 11am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 11.30pm Thursday to Saturday.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
