Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
I stumbled across Danger Close Beverage Co. by pure chance. I was at Alexandra Village Food Centre on assignment with a colleague of mine to feature another stall, a few stalls down.
My search for something to quench my thirst led my wandering gaze to its shiny taps and its peculiar offerings. At first, you might think it’s just any modern stall that dispenses beer pints. Look closer and you’ll see that it also serves sparkling tea and cold brew on tap.
Apart from just this single brick-and-mortar stall, they also serve their beverages on tap at events.
I was served the lightest of all — Lady Grey (S$3.50) — which is described as citrusy and smoky. The leaves are dried over pine leaves and combined with citrus peels for a zesty edge.
What surprised me most was how I could detect both zing and muskiness at the same time, making this a pleasantly complex drink. Although the teas here are meant to be sparkling, don’t expect fizziness. Think of it more as subtle coarseness so it’s more of a mouthfeel than a sensation.
The next, a step up from the delicate drink prior, was a Chinois (S$3.50). Its base is lychee red tea, with the tea leaves dried with different parts of lychee, resulting in multiple layers of notes.
The foam atop each sparkling tea lasted no more than 10 seconds but provided a very different drinking experience when enjoyed with and without. When drunk with foam, the teas had an extra-luxe texture and was creamy and silky.
Without foam, the teas’ own complex flavour profiles took centre-stage. To enjoy them at their peak, you’d have to ensure you drank them while they’re chilled.
This tea was my favourite of all, with a very rounded, bold body with a nice touch of sweetness. Those who like their teas black will most likely agree with me.
Bu Zhi Xiang (S$3.50 hot/S$4) is supposed to have weight loss and anti-ageing benefits, although I wonder how much one would have to consume to prove that claim as true. Made with Nanyang tea, it can take up to a year to order the tea leaves, making this tea one of the more uncommon tea varieties around.
The stall owner, Calvin, informed us that you can find the tea leaves in Chinatown if you’re truly an avid fan. The shop where he gets his tea leaves from still has women rolling the tea leaves into individual packs by hand, to precise weight.
I was impressed.
Taste-wise, it was the least exciting for me, with it being more tannin and dull. I favour complex teas, which are less floral and have richer, fuller bodies.
As someone who’s a regular coffee drinker, I had to get their pint of Abyss Cold Brew (S$4.50/regular double, S$5.50/tall triple). I typically rely on Starbucks for my cold brew fix, and while I find it passable, this one was impressive.
It was incredibly smooth, potent and boasted strong cocoa notes. I could imagine having this with a delectable plate of cai fan.
Danger Close also has Abyss Latte (S$4.50/regular double, S$5.50/tall triple), a crisp latte on tap. The whole notion of all these drinks being dispensed on tap, at that time, still really amazed me, simply because I wonder why no one else was doing so.
It made sense for building a mobile business, which Danger Close Beverage Co. leverages on to keep the business going.
I’m not a fan of having milk with my coffee, but I really enjoyed this rendition of latte. I could still detect actual coffee, which is always my gripe with places that make their lattes with too much milk.
For a stall that only sells drinks, and non-traditional drinks at that, I’m so glad to know that they’ve been around for two years so far. Their ability to serve customers at their stall as well as at events help build bonds as well as expand their business without taking too much risk.
The next time you’re at Alexandra Village Food Centre, be sure to swing by Danger Close and say ‘hi’ to Calvin and grab yourself a pint!
Expected Damage: S$2 – S$6 per pax
