Located on the quiet second floor of the Rendezvous Hotel, the bar’s out-of-the-way surrounds should suit the crowd-averse malt sipper.
The library-like experience of the old Alliance is still in place from its old digs in CHIJMES – except it's increased its offerings to about 1,500 whiskies including 1863 (yes) to 2000 vintages. The labels are collected from all over the world, and the history on show can definitely be intimidating for budding connoisseurs – the book-like menu certainly doesn’t help much, either. But once you take a seat – either at the bar or on one of the chesterfield couches – the friendly staff and knowledgeable service unfurls a bit of the perceived stuffiness of the space.
More than 30 flights of spirits – there are rum and cognac sets, too – ensure even the newbie will walk away with an enlightening experience. It’s clearly easy to get carried away with such a strong show of whiskies on offer, but it’s nice to know that The Auld Alliance, as always, wants you to take away more than just a happy high at the end of the night.