Sweet drams
Macau is a whisky-drinker's nirvana. Here are our favorite places to enjoy a tipple.
Whisky Bar
16TH Floor, StarWorld Hotel
As its name implies, the Whisky Bar in StarWorld has been set up from the start with a specific clientele in mind. The cozy bar, with big leather chairs, boasts a whisky collection of 89 varieties, including three bottles of The Macallan 1946 limited edition (only 50 bottles available worldwide, costing MOP30,000). Other rare choices include Glenmorangie 18 Years (MOP110 per glass) and Port Ellen 1982 (MOP300 per glass). Whisky makes a perfect match with a good smoke, so feel free to peruse Whisky Bar’s menu of 48 types of supreme cigars, such as the 9.25-inch Montecristo.
Crystal Club
38th Floor, Crown Macau
This purpose-built VIP lounge and deluxe outdoor venue wasn’t opened to the public until very recently. Sitting in a stylish setting created by world-renowned designer Peter Remedios, you can enjoy spectacular views of the peninsula while savoring more than 50 whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada and the United States. The majority of whiskies here are very much in demand as collector’s items, including the precious Midleton Rare from Ireland, Year 1984, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2005 and 2006.
Cinnebar
Wynn Macau lobby
The quiet and classy Cinnebar offers both indoor and outdoor seating around Wynn’s swimming pool and garden. You can also sample a daily selection of Japanese tapas here, prepared by master chef Hiro at the Okada Japanese restaurant. The bar provides mainly single malt whiskies, and at a very decent price: a glass of G&M Dalmore 1992 costs only MOP70. Oban 14 Years (MOP120 per glass) is a beautifully rich malt: though its hue may seem a little light, it is imbued with a strong flavor of oak casks.
Paiza Lounge
At Sands Macao and the Venetian Macao
A VIP-only private club for high-rollers, the Paiza Lounge can be found in both the Sands and the Venetian Macao. Targeting upscale guests, the venue is distinctive in design, exceptional in service, and superior in its food and beverage offerings. An extensive collection of whisky is available: among other things, the menu features Glenrothes Speyside 1979 (MOP150 per glass), Glenfarcas 25 Years (MOP295 per glass) and The Macallan 30 Years (MOP430 per glass).
Bar Florian
Inside the casino of the Venetian Macao
The Venetian Macao is somewhat labyrinth-like at times, but you’ll never miss Bar Florian. Located under the escalator to the Grand Canal Shoppes, Bar Florian is conveniently situated right in the heart of the casino – an ideal spot for patrons to kick back, relax and take a break from the hustle. Though not a whisky-themed bar, the Florian does offer a wide range of well-known brands including Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker and Ballantines.
Bellini Lounge
Inside the casino of the Venetian Macao
Located on the edge of the casino, the open-style lounge Bellini features a performance stage, which also differentiates it from Bar Florian. Renowned pop stars including Coco Lee and Soler have entertained Bellini patrons in the past, attracting many guests from the casino itself. Bellini targets the mass market, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when you see some universally popular brand names on its whisky menu.
Morton’s
Venetian Macao, casino floor
Morton’s is better known for its steaks, but any joint as classy as this simply must have personalized whisky cabinets for regular patrons. You will notice them along the side of one wall near the entrance, with their names engraved on plates underneath – including Mark Brown’s (president of the Venetian Macao). If you have chosen to skip dinner or are just finishing up at the bar, this is the place for business deals to be clinched over a glass (or bottle) of Scotland's finest.
Café Deco
Venetian Macao, casino floor
Located between the main gaming area and the indoor arena, Café Deco has it all: a large dining hall with a wide array of food, superb private rooms, and one of the best bars in Macau, complete with a humidor. As the name suggests, the art deco-styled venue has a unique character. It is a good spot for people-watching while nursing a stogie and a Glenmorangie, or a cozy spot to enjoy a quiet drink with friends and business partners.
M Bar
MGM Grand lobby level
Surrounded by glass walls, M Bar is located at the end of a hotel lobby that showcases an impressive collection of Chihuly glass sculptures. The venue is not very large, but it exudes understated luxury with its cascading crystal chandelier and plush velvet curtains and chairs. From 9pm-1am every evening, a French-Brazilian quartet performs a combination of pop, jazz, R&B and exotic rhythms. You can choose from a varied menu of liquors, including more than a dozen premium Irish whiskeys, single malts and blended whiskies.
Lion’s Bar
Inside the casino of MGM Grand Macau
Located inside the casino, Lion’s Bar boasts a relaxed and casual atmosphere with colorful lights blinking and shimmering on its ceiling. Live music is a feature of the venue every evening. The drinks menu is extensive, featuring more than 25 whiskies ranging from mass-market brands like Chivas and Johnnie Walker to premium Scotch, including Ballantines 30 years (MOP250 per glass) and Glenfarcas 25 years (MOP140 per glass).
Winner’s Circle
3rd Floor, Grand Waldo Casino
Instead of the usual sea views and urban skylines, Winner’s Circle offers a vista of another sort – namely, the main floor of the casino. If you want to see for yourself how prosperous Macau’s gaming market really is, this might be the place to do it. So drop by sometime, and savor one of the house’s malt or blended whiskies. In addition to Scotch, the Winner’s Circle also provides a good variety of Canadian and American whiskies.
