The Quaich Bar: Whisky Bar By Singaporeans

The Need to Knows:

Name: Quaich Bar & The Whisky Store

Address: 390A Havelock Road #01-09/10 Waterfront Plaza S(169663)

Tel: 6732-3452

Email: joyce@whiskystore.com.sg

Opening Hours: 5pm-1am (Sun-Thu) 5pm-2am (Fri, Sat, Eve of PH)

Website: www.whiskystore.com.sg

For a blog that focuses on Singapore's whisky scene, it is perhaps sacrilege that I have taken so long to highlight the first ever purpose-built whisky bar, and arguably, the one that started it all. It is, however, better late than never! So here's SGwhisky's review of the first ever Whisky Bar in Singapore, The Quaich Bar.

Nestled at the corner of Waterfront Plaza, next to the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel (the one in front of Zouk), the Quaich Bar was initially named The Whisky Store when it first opened in 2006. Back then, it was located at Cairnhill and after a year, it moved to its current premises at Havelock Road and renamed Quaich Bar. SGwhisky is also proud to say that its owners, Khoon Hui and Joyce, are Singaporeans born and bred, adding to the true blue Singaporean-ness of the place. For them, like so many other, they started out on their work paths not knowing whisky, but when whisky came knocking on their door, it was love at first sight.

According to Khoon, this encounter happened 6 years ago. They were already operating a bar when they were introduced to the spokesperson of Bowmore distillery, who in turn introduced them to the joys of single malt whisky. Other alcoholic beverages like wine didn't appeal to them, but for whisky, they were hooked on at first bite. They then packed their bags and went on a tour of Scotland where they visited distilleries and exposed themselves to the intricacies of whisky, from production to flavours. The rest they say, is history.

Today, the Quaich Bar is one of the most renowned whisky haunts in Singapore. Acknowledged by the famous Whisky Magazine as one of the Great Whisky Bars of the World, the Quaich Bar has certainly grown from strength to strength.

In terms of whiskies at the bar, Quaich Bar has around 200 drams by the glass and almost 300 by the bottle. On top of the whskies, there is also a nice selection of other alcoholic beverages like beer as well as a decent selection of finger food like cured hams. Seating is limited with only about 55 seats, though the bar is nicely laid out so that each group of seats are not too close together, and there is a private cigar room that seats between 8-12. The overall result is a nice comfortable and cozy bar and atmosphere that is conducive for those looking just relax and wind down after a long day. The bar also has monthly offers for whiskies by the bottle, keep your eyes peeled for Singapore Whisky Monthly for updates on what whiskies are available for the month.

The Bowmore 10 Tempest, 15YO and 18YO

On top of being a bar, the Quaich Bar also has a nice retail section that allows for people to take home their favourite whiskies at retail prices. Besides being bar owners, Khoon and Joyce are also distributors for numerous whisky brands such as Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Springbank and Bunnahabhain. Their comprehensive selection of whiskies from these brands as well as great expressions from most other reputable brands makes the bar a great place to get your bottles for your home! Some rare expressions that The Quaich Bar has available for retail include the Balvenie 17YO Sherry Oak, the Bruichladdich 15YO 1st Edition and the legendary Gold, Black and White Bowmores. In support of the Singapore market, the 1988 Generations BenRiach Singapore Exclusive bottling is also available at the store.

Bunnahabhain Whiskies

To end a most wonderful time at the bar, SGwhisky had a great chat with Khoon Hui about his thoughts on the Singapore market. Like many others involved in the Singapore whisky scene, Khoon feels that the taste of Singaporeans has evolved to be more accepting of boutique whiskies. He also believes that the smaller brands are starting to make some headway in the market, though he feels that there is still a long way to go before whisky can hit the heights that other beverages like wine have hit in Singapore. As a distributor himself, he also recognises the challenges faced by wholesalers of single malt whisky, and also feels that there is a long way to go before recognition of single malt whisky reaches a level where the majority of F&B establishment will buy significant amounts from wholesalers.

Khoon also credited industry giants Macallan who were the first movers in the single malt whisky market in Singapore, recognising their efforts in exposing Singapore to the world of single malt whisky. Moving forward, it is clear that Khoon, Joyce and the Quaich Bar are determined to keep building up the reputation of single malt Scotch in Singapore, and that is something SGwhisky is really happy to see. 

So the next time you are down near Robertson Quay or Great World City and feel like having a tipple, make your way down to the Quaich Bar. With a wonderful ambiance, a great selection of whiskies, and owners who genuinely love their whisky, this place has all the makings of a great bar. To the Quaich Bar, kudos on a great establishment! 

Good for: Relaxed ambiance, wide whisky selection for retail and bar