Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Romantic restaurants and cafes are a dime in a dozen around Klang Valley, but if you’re a whisky lover who prefers something a little out of the norm, you’ve come to the right place.
Whisky tasting in Malaysia is generally still quite under the radar, that’s why we’ve prepared a list of whisky bars in Klang Valley known for their gorgeous ambiance, good food, and most importantly, high quality whisky selections, so you can look forward to a memorable night out with bae savouring fine liquor over flirty conversations. Valentine’s doesn’t get any better than that, we say.
1. 61 Monarchy
Photo by Anandhi Gopinath from Options
Whether you’re a novice or a long-time whisky drinker, you’ll have a grand introduction either way at 61 Monarchy as their selections are vast and exhaustive. From rare finds to more conventional bottlings, you are bound to come across something that fancies your palate at this prolific whisky bar.
Located in Damansara Utama, 61 Monarchy may be a speakeasy, but its reputation is well-known in the scene. In fact, the bar has earned the title of “the prime whisky bar in Petaling Jaya” among regulars and rightfully so.
Photo by Taufulou from Taufulou.
You may be intimidated by their extensive menu featuring just about any whisky from around the globe at first but fret not, their bar staff are knowledgeable and warm—ready to take you on a whisky journey one dram at a time. Their flight option is a good place to start—a tasting flight made up of four different whiskies customised to your preference.
With rattan chairs and bright cushions adorning their space, the ambiance gives off a vintage feel, but while still being cozy and laidback at the same time.
Address: Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 018-213 9291
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5PM - 12AM
2. Three X Co
Photo from Three X Co.
Award-winning Three X Co boasts recognition after recognition. The World’s 50 Best Discovery Bar, ranked 191 on World’s Top 500 Bar 2020, and then 47 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021—these are just several on their list of accolades.
Helmed by three friends together with Asia’s first champion bartender and one of the top mixologists in KL, David Hans, Three X Co knows what they’re doing and they do it well. Though they do have a shelf lined with a range of prominent whiskies and bourbons, their pièce de résistance lies in their bold but delish cocktails.
Photo from THREE X CO.
Hans’ concoctions may come off a little strange at first, with ingredients such as nutmeg juice, chrysanthemum-infused gin, Pei Pa Koa (herbal syrup typically used to relieve sore throats and cough), ginseng, yuzu tonic water, and a host of other local twists incorporated into their spirits, but give it a try and you’ll taste the methods behind their madness.
Photo from THREE X CO.
Address: Bangsar Shopping Centre, Lot T6A, Level 3, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 019-336 6031
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5PM - 11.50PM
3. The Cabinet
Photo from The Cabinet.
Known as Bangsar’s first cigar bar, The Cabinet prides themselves on being the epicureans of whiskies, cocktails, and cigars, as evitable from their whisky bar lined with a myriad collection of whiskies that welcome you when you enter.
Photo from The Cabinet.
The team behind The Cabinet has a mission—to eliminate the formality and masculinity that most cigar bars are associated with, and they’re doing a good job, we’d say. The vibe at The Cabinet is warm and welcoming, contemporary and chic.
Their menu is also uniquely crafted—divided into appetizers, main course, and desserts—all of which have cocktails and spirits with flavours and notes well suited for your “meal.”
Address: 80A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 011-3322 4053
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 4PM - 11.30PM
4. The Whisky Bar KL
Photo from The Whisky Bar, Kuala Lumpur.
The Whisky Bar KL needs no introduction. This establishment in Bukit Bintang has been open for more than a decade, and the fact that it is still standing strong is a testament of its quality.
Home to more than 800 labels boasting extremely limited and rare bottlings, The Whisky Bar is no child’s play. Even their ice ball is specially moulded one at a time using The Macallan copper ice ball maker.
Photo from The Whisky Bar, Kuala Lumpur.
No clue where to start? Their Whisky Flights—a set of four to eight types of Single Malts or blended whiskies—come highly recommended.
Check out their cigar menu if you’d like to pair a smoke with your dram, or fill your tummy with their gastronomical offerings. Apart from the usual pub grub, The Whisky Bar serves proper provisions—think foie gras and steaks, so you’ll have a distinguished whisky experience unlike any other here.
Photo from The Whisky Bar, Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 46, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 012-735 6709
Opening hours: Everyday, 5PM - 12AM
5. The Malt & Leaf
Photo from The Malt & Leaf.
Looking for a more romantic setting? The Malt & Leaf is perfect for you. Perched atop the First Avenue building in Bandar Utama, the restaurant offers a birdeye’s view of the city below you. Complete with their plush interior, it will be a night that should truly be saved for a special occasion. In this case, Valentine’s Day fits the bill.
Atmosphere aside, one can also savour whiskies and cigars at this rooftop bar. You can find a range of international spirits here—from the likes of Nikka to Macallan and Dalmore, rest assured that their bar is well-stocked with possibly all of your favourite drams.
Photo from The Malt & Leaf.
If your date prefers other liquor, The Malt & Leaf got them covered, too. They can take their pick from a selection of vodka, gin, champagne, beer, cocktail, and many more!
Address: Sky Level, First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 011-2302 7672
Opening hours: Everyday, 6PM - 12AM
6. Astor Bar
Photo from Astor Bar.
Enjoy the finer things in life? You’ll feel right at home at the regal Astor Bar in The St Regis. Offering more than 650 labels from various regions and distilleries, you get to savour your tastings in an elegant environment that is every bit as luxurious as it’s made out to be. With a gold-tiled ceiling, rich leather chairs, and a black marble bar, old school glam is the word.
Astor Bar is also home to The Macallan M Room, the first and only experiential whisky bar in Malaysia. Situated in a private lounge area, you get to relish in limited edition bottlings, new releases, rare drams, and the finest Single Malts only The Macallan can produce and uphold.
Photo from Astor Bar.
Go for The Macallan x Astor Bar Flight Experience, a guided tasting session comprising three whiskies—something you can’t try anywhere else.
Not to forget, The Macallan Red Collection, one of the world’s oldest and rarest whisky collections is on display right here on their premise. Avid whisky lovers will truly be in for a treat.
Address: Level 2, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, No 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2727 6680
Opening hours: Everyday, 5PM - 12AM
7. Frank’s Bar
Photo from Frank's Bar - Kuala Lumpur.
Frank’s Bar is all about the music. From their branding, to their drinks, right down to the way their liquor is aged, music is all-encompassing at Frank’s Bar. You read the latter right, they employ an unconventional but innovative way of alcohol maturation by speeding up the ageing process using music!
Still not braining it? Here’s how it works: headphones oozing classic Sinatra songs are placed on the side of their barrels four hours a day for over two weeks. It’s believed that the sound waves emitted are able to improve liquor and barrel interaction more significantly than the normal ageing approach. Doing this may enhance the flavour, too!
Photo from Frank's Bar - Kuala Lumpur.
With a bespoke cocktail menu and an interior resembling an elite gentlemen’s club, this one exudes classy and sophisticated vibes all over.
Address: Avenue K, Unit 6 Level 3, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 012-674 4860
Opening hours: Everyday, 3PM - 12AM
Time to get crackin’ for Valentine’s Day
From the decadent Astor Bar to the more intimate 61 Monarchy, there’s a whisky bar that will suit your every budget and style on this list.
Better get your plans sorted out soon, though. We foresee that a lot of places will be fully booked, and with COVID restrictions still in place, restaurants may not be able to operate at full capacity, so you’d better plan ahead and make a reservation soon for a special night out lest you end up disappointing bae. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!