While Hong Kong may be small in size, there is definitely nothing small about its bar scene. Dynamic, global, cosmopolitan, and vibrant, are just a few of the words that we use to describe Hong Kong and its bar and drinking culture. It’s an industry in constant evolution, with huge growth in the modern cocktail scene and a surge in the rebirth of speakeasies (most likely thanks to the sky-high rent prices).

Google “where to drink in Hong Kong” and you will most likely be directed to the area of Lan Kwai Fong in Central, Hong Kong. While it is worth a visit we don’t recommend that you only limit yourself to this area to indulge in a night-time tipple, especially when it comes to whiskies. There is no shortage of great whisky bars on the Islands, here is our shortlist of the best whisk(e)y bars in Hong Kong.

 

Ginger 

Ginger is a modern, intimate speakeasy with a very impressive 400 whisky collection complete with a strong Scotch and Japanese whiskies selection. This is the brainchild of whisky aficionado and critic Tony Leung, who travels around the world to visit distilleries and trade fairs to find new labels and expressions.

Ginger is also a great place to visit if you are new to whisky and feel a little bit intimidated by its extensive selection. The bar offers a reasonably priced tasting set and the Ginger staff are well-versed in their whisky knowledge and are always more than happy to talk whisky with you!

Address: 12 On Wo Lane, Central Hong Kong. www.facebook.com/pg/barginger.hk/

                                                  

                

 

 

Mizunara: The Library

We couldn’t have a whisky bar reccomendation list in Hong Kong and not include Mizunara: The Library. A Japanese whisky bar that has been a long-time favourite of the Scots Gold family. Located in the area of Wan Chai, this intimate bar is tucked on the fourth floor of a stark and harsh commercial building, a contrast to the bars elegant interior setting which is made complete with a bar made out of a single piece of Japanese oak (Mizunara).

As a Japanese inspired bar it’s probably unsurprising to hear that Mizunara: The Library has a delectable selection of Japanese whiskies. Helmed under the very capable hands of head bartender Masahiko Endo. Enjoy your whisky served in a classic Japanese Whisky Highball, known as Mizuwari or enjoy one of Endo San’s award-winning cocktail. Needless to say, our favourites are Dr Gold and Oriental Gold.

Address: Fourth Floor, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361-363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. www.mizunarathelibrary.com/en/bar/

                                                                    

                                

 

 

Tiffany’s New York bar

Located in the Intercontinental Grand Standford Hotel, Tiffany’s New York bars is a throwback to New York during the 1920’s Prohibition era, complete with a live jazz band for your night’s soundtrack. While a visit to Tiffany’s makes you feel as if you’ve been transported into another time, there is certainly nothing about its 250 whisky choices that are reminiscent of the prohibition days of the 1920’s

One of the outstanding features of Tiffany’s is its in-bar maturation programme. Where known labels are given an extra 6 months finish in a range of small casks right on the bar back. Make sure you ask their bar staff what they have maturing and have a taste of something truly unique.

If you’re in the mood to eat your whisky you can here with their whisky chocolate cake which made from “the finest aged single malt whisky”. To some, the idea of using single malt as a baking ingredient may seem blasphemous but the thought of a delicious whisky chocolate cake just seems too hard to resist (be aware: the cake needs to be ordered two days in advance).

Address: 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | G/F, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. www.hongkong.intercontinental.com

                                                      

                                     

 

 

Nocturne

If you are finding it difficult to convince your non-whisky loving companions to join you for a dram, then take them to Nocturne. Not only is this a great whisky bar but it’s also a wine bar complete with its own wine cellar which holds 250 wine offerings. Which is all very nice, but let’s back to the whisky…

Inspired by the secret bars of Tokyo, Nocturne is hidden behind an unassuming blank concrete wall making you prone to a “blink-and-you-miss-it” situation. This is an intimate bar with limited seating spaces it’s always a good idea to book a table ahead of time.

Compared the other bars on your list, Nocturne can’t boast over 200 different types of whisky (theirs is a more humble 150), but you won’t notice the difference. The whisky selection at Nocturne is a well-curated one. Japanese whisky enthusiasts will enjoy Nocturne’s offerings but will equally be impressed their Scotch, Bourbon and Taiwanese selection. Much like their selection of whiskies, the cocktail list here is small but very well curated mainly consisting of the classics such as a Highball or Moscow Mule made with peaty Laphroaig.

Address: 35, Peel Street, Soho, Hong Kong. www.nocturnehk.com/