Best whisky bars in Central Hong Kong: Top places to drink excellent bourbons, smooth single-malts, and Japanese labels

Pop into these amazing drinking dens in Central Hong Kong for a solid pour of the best whisky in town – on the rocks

It doesn’t matter if you are a whisky connoisseur or just love to indulge in this golden spirit now and then, Hong Kong’s whisky scene will not let you down. Neat or on the rocks good whisky can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the city, however if you appreciate quality and unique atmosphere, here are four bars in Central Hong Kong that should be in your black book.

Ronin

This hidden gem tucked away on On Wo Lane in Central Hong Kong is a little bit tricky to find, but it’ll be well worth the effort – look out for a dark grey building with a wooden door handle. Interiors are decked out in industrial-chic furnishings, and there are rows artisanal sake and whisky bottles behind the open bar to marvel at. Each glass of whisky you order comes with tailor made leather coasters and hand-shaved spherical ice balls. A mix of lounge music and banter, amongst cool-looking people indulging in more than 100 varieties of Japanese whiskies, creates a buzzing atmosphere. No worries if you’re not an expert: Ronin’s knowledgeable bartenders will teach you a thing or two.

Ronin, 8 On Wo Lane, Central, Hong Kong, p.+852 2547 5263.

Ronin Hong Kong presents Shirofuda Highball - Suntory White, Yuzu

Ronin Hong Kong presents Rockfish Highball - Suntory Kakubin Premium

The interior of Ronin Hong Kong

Stockton

To get to this hidden gem on the bustling Wyndham Street, find a dimly lit passageway that’ll take you to a flight of stairs. Then, go through the dark curtains and enter a 19^th century London-themed speakeasy. Cement floors, exposed brick walls, leather sofas, lounge chairs and tables sourced directly from Parisian flea markets give Stockton a vintage feel. The bar has all the glassware imaginable for every type of the drink and there are over 150 different whiskies available, sourced from the world’s most famous distilleries, such as Karuizawa distillery in Japan and BenRiach in Scotland.

Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p.+852 2565 5268.

Angel’s Share

It’s crammed, but this little whisky bar has it all – exceptionally trained staff, ice balls, engraved glasses and over 100 kinds of whisky, many of which are obscure. Angel’s share also has an incredible story behind its name: before the scientists discovered that evaporation causes a 2% loss in whisky from the barrel as it mature each year, people used to believe that angels drank it, leading to a bunch of tipsy angels flying in the sky.

Angel’s Share, 2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p.+852 2805 8388

Double Wood Ripper, created with Single malt whisky, Cognac, shrub grenadine, beeswax, lime and ocean bitters by Stockton Hong Kong

The Kill Devil by Stockton Hong Kong

Honey Badger, a delicious whisky based cocktail, mixed with Rosemary Infused Buffalo Trace, Lemon, Ginger Syrup, Yellow Chartreuse, Honey and Lemon bitters by Stockton Hong Kong

The Reserved Fury Best, the new whisky based cocktail by Stockton Hong Kong

Nocturne

This tiny dark Japanese bar is a quality-obsessed drinking hole. The intimate candlelit establishment is a perfect place to enjoy 150 varieties of Japanese, Scotch, Taiwanese and Bourbon whiskies — some of which are rare discontinued labels. And if you do need a different kind of tipple for a change, Nocturne has its very own wine cellar with over 250 labels and a variety of Scottish and Japanese ales.

Nocturne, 35 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. +852 2884 9566.

This article is contributed by Milda Ratkelyte. Follow her on Instagram @milda_ratkelyte!