Where to Drink (Seoul): Off Bar

Following on from SGwhisky's visit to Seoul, Korea, it is only right that the local whisky scene is checked out and given a bit of a mention. Yes this deviates a bit from SGwhisky's usual focus point, but considering how Korean culture is building an entire empire in Singapore (think K Dramas, K-Pop and Korean food), I think Korea strikes a chord in many a Singaporean. So now that we're off the beaten track, let's take a look at the 1st ever purpose-built Single Malt Whisky Bar in Seoul, Off Bar.

The I-Wanna-Knows:

Name: Off Bar

Address: 9-7 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-Gu (For address in Hangul look up CNNgo's report on the bar along with 2 others here

Tel: +82-2-516-6201

Getting There: Get off at Gangnam-Gu Station and take Exit 1. Take the road on the left of KFC till you reach the Brownstone Building (There is a Lotte there, but it is a decently big building with shops around it), turn right after the building, cross the road and walk along the side opposite the building till you reach a left turn at a smaller road, Off is in that smaller road.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7pm-3am

If one thinks SGwhisky exploring Seoul's whisky scene is considered off the beaten track, Off Bar definitely will re-define that phrase. Located in an absolutely unremarkable part of town, away from the commercial district of Gang-nam and in a fairly discreet alley (I had missed it twice whilst searching for it), it is definitely not the easiest bar to find. The fact that it is also rather small doesn't help, and one wonders if this is actually by design, and that it is located in such a place in order to keep it a secret. 

Walk into the bar though, and any veil of secrecy is removed as the staff is open and friendly. A decent selection of 150 whiskies is complemented by a small selection of other liquors, nuts, fruits and homemade Nama chocolate. Limited as the number of whiskies may be, some real gems can be found in this place that one would not find in Singapore. Port Ellen's 9th and 10th Release by Diageo are available by the shot (though they cost a sobering 90,000+ won and 100,000+ won respectively) and also a selection from the SMWS (Scotch Malt Whisky Society).

Unfortunately for Singapore, there is no SMWS chapter and hence no such whiskies here (at least to SGwhisky's knowledge), so these are definitely worth having a try. I tried a whisky from the Caperdonich distillery, and it was really good stuff! Grassy on the nose and very pleasantly nutty on the palate, it was a great dram to help me forget the trouble I had finding this place!

Helming the bar is Master Bartender Jake Kim. A passionate whisky drinker himself (Talisker being his favourite whisky), he was one of the top 10 bartenders in Korea in Diageo's World Class this year. In a drinking crazy country like Korea, that is quite a feat! 

Jake's bartending skills are not put to waste in Off, with a 'secret' menu dedicated to a few signature cocktails he has created for the bar. The whisky based cocktail is his own creation, composed of Orange juice, Ginger Ale and Frozen Glenmorangie 10YO, and is affectionately called the Glen-Orangie. The recipe for the cocktail will be placed in the 'Whisky Cocktail' segment of SGwhisky soon, but overall this was an extremely light and refreshing cocktail perfect for a hot day.

Jake's versatility is also present in the handmade chocolate available at the bar, which he himself made using whisky flavours. Glenmorangie 10 with orange peel and Yamazaki Nama chocolates are two such flavours which incorporate whisky into some pretty good chocolate. 

All in all, Off Bar is definitely a well-kept secret in Seoul, and is definitely a place run by really passionate whisky folk. The next time one finds himself in Seoul, pay it a visit, and experience some great whisky in a great atmosphere.