Where to Drink: Fabrika

The Need to Knows:

Name: Fabrika (By Chivas 18)

Address: Level 17, klapsons The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Road S(089316)

Opening Hours: 5pm-12am (Mon-Thu), 5pm-1am (Fri), 8pm-1am (Sat)

Tel: 6521-9029

Email: ask@fabrika.com.sg

Website: www.fabrika.com.sg

It has really been a while since SGwhisky has highlighted a hangout for its viewers in Singapore. This time, we have something slightly different but no less interesting. After having found some of the best whisky haunts in Singapore, SGwhisky is proud to present a bar sponsored by a whisky brand, Fabrika by Chivas 18.

On the 17th floor of the extremely intriguing klapson's The Boutique Hotel lies Fabrika, a bar that has marketed itself as an Urban Oasis since its opening in August 2010. The bar itself is an interesting collaboration between the hotel and Chivas Regal, whose 18YO blend lends a real hand to the bar's cocktail and food menu. It is quite clear to see that the big boys in the Whisky industry are starting to move up the ladder and associate themselves with up-market bars as the industry grows rapidly in Singapore.

Due to its proximity to the Central Business District, one might think that the clientele is more corporate, but Fabrika is fast becoming one of the places to go to for a tipple in Singapore, and for good reason. One has to go through a slightly unattractive fireman's lift to get to the bar, but once one gets there, one is in for a treat.

A Chivas 18 Bottle designed by Christian Lacroix

lends its beauty to the decorations

In terms of decoration and layout, the bar itself is a testament to great design and ingenious use of space, with a very relaxing and almost 'beach-like' theme to the whole bar, and the bar itself being located in an empty landing between two sections of a building. Being on the 17th floor also affords Fabrika with a nice view of the nearby Port and CBD at night, and it is also very windy, an almost imperative quality in hot and humid Singapore.

In terms of what the bar has to offer, it has a healthy range of liquors, beers, wines and champagnes. It is also no surprise that Chivas Regal is one of the primary whiskies available at the bar, with the 12, 15, 21 and 25YO all available by the glass or the bottle. For those looking for a good single malt though, the bar's selection is limited to Glenlivet and Glenfarclas 15, so this isn't the place for those looking for a strong selection of whiskies. It is the cocktails, however, that take centre-stage.

But for those of you who like cocktails, Fabrika's definitely one place worth visiting. Here at SGwhisky, we believe cocktails, if made properly, have the ability to accentuate flavours of liquors (even whisky), and can be a great introduction to the world of whisky. Following that line of argument, Fabrika's whisky-based cocktails are definitely worth a try. If one could sum up their cocktail philosophy in a word, it would definitely be innovative. Not content with creating new whiskies, Fabrika have sought to re-invent the wheel, but in a good way! Let's have a closer look at their cocktails:

The Chivas Passion

The whisky cocktail range at Fabrika is also not surprisingly centered on the Chivas 18, with a set of 4 signature cocktails helming the bar's main cocktail menu. We tried 2 of the 4 cocktails, the first was The Chivas Passion ($20), a refreshing cocktail with Chivas 18, Passionfruit syrup and Fresh Lemon. This was light and definitely refreshing, but it did lack a bit of the kick I was hoping for. 

The kick that I had hoped for, however, was to be found in the Black Infinity ($20), a far more powerful cocktail with Chivas 18, Kahlua, Apple Syrup and Ginger Ale. Despite what seems like a very strong flavour combination, this cocktail was arguably one of the most complex and layered whisky cocktails I have ever tried. The apple sweetness hits first, before the clean flavors of the whisky before the coffee note comes in towards the end. The refreshing ginger ale rounds off the edges of the alcohol, making it one great cocktail! Kudos to the bar staff who invented this one!

The Berritini 

Moving away from whisky-based cocktails, Fabrika's cocktail list consists of 3 more different types of cocktails, one of the most 'fresh' being their FFF range of cocktails, which use fresh fruits as a main ingredient for their cocktails. The Berritini ($28) is a prime example of the philosophy behind these cocktails. Using fresh berries, Cognac, Cointreau and Vodka, this Martini is refreshing and definitely one that is made up of real fruits, and not stuff out of a can or concentrate. This freshness naturally translates to the cocktail, which has a really pleasant and natural feel to it.

The Bellini Luxury

Fruity Bubbles is the second of the three other cocktail ranges, and it also leverages on fresh fruits, but the main alcoholic ingredient in these cocktails is Champagne. Light and refreshing, they are slightly more for those who do not want the strong alcoholic kick in the cocktails. All the cocktails in the Fruity Bubbles range are $28.

The Cosmopolitan (reinvented!)

But the most intriguing range of cocktails would most definitely have to be the Ice Sphere range. Freezing the non-alcoholic liquids into little spheres, and then serving it with a shot of the alcoholic ingredients (which you pour over the spheres and enjoy as they slowly melt), this is a testament to the reinvention that goes on at Fabrika. The Cosmopolitan ($22) was really interesting and the whole spectacle itself was interesting as well. Flashy? Of course, but hey, if it's good and it's flashy, I really don't have anything to say!

But this blog is all about whisky, and to wrap up this little piece of Fabrika, we return to our whisky roots and have a look at Fabrika's interesting food menu. Yes, you got that right, there is whisky in their food!

To supplement its drinks menu, Fabrika has come up with a wee list of bites that have some real quality to it. The Rooftop Basket ($25) is a nice basket of deep fried bites, but for those who want some booze in their bites, look no further than their whisky infused items. First up is their Chivas Infused Beef Skewers ($25). Marinated with Chivas 18, these skewers have a great sweetness associated with whisky to them, and are a convenient way to kill those hunger pangs.

However, if you are willing to get your hands dirty, give the Chivas Infused Pork Ribs ($28) a try. With a sauce containing Chivas 18, the influences of the whisky are far more pronounced. Mix that with a good set of Pork Ribs and that calls for a party in the mouth in my humble little opinion!

For those looking for a good deal, Fabrika also has monthly offers for its customers. For the month of July, those who love Chivas can get 40% off Chivas bottles every Thursday, and for the upcoming month of August, Chivas 18 is going for 1-for-1 @$280 a bottle everyday.  Happy hours are from 5-8pm from Monday to Friday, where it is 1-for-1 for all beers, Chivas Cocktails, Champagne Cocktails, Wines and Champagnes (by the glass) and house pour spirits. 

In essence, Fabrika is one of the places to go if one is looking for a great place to relax after a long day's work and hang out. Admittedly, it does not have the strong whisky focus that the other bars on this website have, but they have a different focus and reach out to a different crowd. The important thing is, they do it well. A clearly thought out focus and approach pays dividends in this night spot. So the next time you feel you want to give some good cocktails a whirl, drop by Fabrika and have a tipple!

SGwhisky would like to thank Belda Chen, Mabel Tay and the staff of Fabrika for their wonderful hospitality during our visit.

Great for: Cocktails, Food, Chilling Out