The best whisky bars in Hong Kong

Hidden in the fourth floor of a nondescript commercial building in Wan Chai, Mizunara is not the easiest bar to spot. But if you do, you'll find over 800 bottles of whiskies from Japanese, Scottish, American, and Irish distilleries, and enjoy various whisky cocktails on the menu. This Japanese-style bar is headed by award-winning Masahiko Endo who was originally from Fukuoka, Japan. Endo's cocktails include the Maker's Mark-based Smoky Manhattan ($250) with sweet vermouth Antica formula and rinsed with Laphroaig 10-year-old Islay Single Malt. Though the drinks aren't on the wallet-friendly end of the scale, they're crafted with care, and you're unlikely to find similar drinks elsewhere in town.

Escape the throngs of Lan Kwai Fong at Club Qing, on the tenth floor of LKF's Cosmos Building. This slice of zen is a cosy bolthole housing an impressive variety of whiskies from old and rare bottles, making it a go-to for whisky aficionados. But don't let their credentials intimidate you if you're new to whisky and just expanding your knowledge because their staff is friendly and will guide you to the proper tasting drams. Here you will find past and present Japanese whiskies from the likes of Yamazaki to Eigashima, and get to choose from over 30 tasting flights if you're looking to explore various drams. They also have an impressive Scotch collection that boasts of rare and old expressions from Bowmore 1957, Macallan from the 30s, and closed distilleries like Port Ellen and Brora, just to name a few.

The bar opened in early 2020 housing an excellent collection of whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and other world whiskies. Veering away from the usual gentleman's leather den, House Welley Bar exudes a modern vibe that appeals to both whisky noobs and enthusiasts. Expect to find single cask, limited edition, and distillery exclusive original bottlings (OB) and hard to find independent bottlings (IB) from the likes of Yamazaki, Macallan, to rare Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS).  

Though not exactly hidden, Nocturne is on the quieter end of Peel Street and hidden away by its nondescript door. Glam and ambience marry with fine spirits in this candle-lit, jazz punctuated bar. Relax, be seated at the cement-topped bar, and witness a show of precision by the skilled bartenders. The bar specialises in whisky as well as wine, so if you like these two liquids, then it's the best place to visit. With over 150 whiskies and more than 250 wines to choose from, the tasting possibilities are endless.

Located at the steps of Shing Hing Street, you'll find the bar's narrow wooden door with bold brass lettering of Whisky & Words at the front entrance. The area is intimate, and the interior is decked out in muted greys and faux wood decals. You will have an option of 300 whiskies (starting from $130 to $340 per dram) from their bottle collection coming from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland. Aside from whisky, the bar also offers a selection of cocktails that uses gin and vodka as base. 

Located on the first floor of the Mandarin Oriental, The Chinnery – named after the famous English painter George Chinnery – is an old school whisky den clad in upholstered armchairs, leather, and warm wood interiors. The bar serves traditional British cuisine so you can chow down on food before, during, or after a few drams from their stellar collection of single malt whiskies. They change their whisky menu monthly, so make sure to catch these different drams. 

Housed just shy of Minden Avenue's rowdier strip of bars, this quiet, 20-seat den is one of the original whisky bars in Hong Kong. It is the first independent venture by master mixologist Masayuki Uchida, a man who used to shake and stir at some of the finest cocktail bars in Ginza, Japan. Aside from slinging perfectly balanced mixed drinks, Uchida also stocks an impressive arsenal of single malts and blended whiskies which he serves over crystal clear orbs of hand-chipped ice.

Located just above Butler Bar, Japanese-style Bar Buonasera is the Hong Kong branch of the famous Osaka bar by the same name. Managed by Nick Tse and Ayako Miyake, the bar offers classic handcrafted cocktails and a great selection of whisky. Expect Japanese style mixology where every serving is done to perfection. Catch occasionally opened bottles of rare Japanese whiskies and independent whisky bottlings.  

Not just your average hotel bar that’s often crowded with business travellers. Located in the Hyatt Regency, Chin Chin is a definite hit among whisky buffs as they offer over 120 varieties of whisky to choose from. The range includes rare bottles focusing on Scotch whiskies. You can sip on Isle of Skye 25-year-old Talisker ($730) or ball out with a glass of Glenfarclas 1968 ($1,950) while soaking up the live tunes.