Whisgars: Bangkok Whisky Bar Review

Your one-stop Whisky and Cigar Pairing

Whisgars, an obvious and witty combination of Whisky and Cigars, made its first appearance in Asia right here in Bangkok. It is the first of more than 30 locations to be launched in Asia in the next 3 years as planned.

A premier whisky and cigar bar, it is owned and operated by Hathor, the same creators of the uber exclusive The ChindAsia Club Bangkok, a private members-only club nestled quietly in Sukhumvit Soi 28.

This first location of Whiskgars is located in Sukhumvit Soi 23, near the more havoc and party area of Soi Cowboy.

Whisgars offer the luxurious feel of a high-end cigar lounge and it is open to all and charges no membership fees. Be comfortably seated away in their really warm and inviting lounge. A very American-inspired concept here, akin to a boys’ club.

You can choose to sit at their bar counter area as well where seats are spaced comfortably apart for personal space, while facing their whole collection of alcohol on the shelves. Alternatively, you can opt for the comfy plush sofas that you wouldn’t want to stand up from after sitting.

The single malt whisky flight we had included the Glenfiddich, aged 12, 15, 18 and 21 years which is displayed in the above picture respectively from right to left. The one on the extreme right with a syringe, is water.

Having tried all of them in a sampling whisky flight, here is my personal take on them.

The 12 year scotch was mild, light and subtle. Not overly strong at all and acceptable for casual drinkers with a taste that develops into butterscotch. The 15 year one was slightly heavier, with a little bitter aftertaste and just slightly more flavourful then the previous one with layers of sherry oak and cinnamon spices.

Next was the 18 year one which was remarkably rich with a pronounced oak and candy-like finish. Needless to say, the 21 year was even more intense, with a complex flavour of peppers, toffee and oak amongst other notes.

The water is provided to dilute the whisky and release more flavours without it being all packed together. Add a drop or two to the whiskyis experience a easier range of flavours on the palate.

While sipping on the whisky, the point of a cigar whisky bar is to well, have a puff of cigar as well; This makes up the pairing experience. The warmness from whisky is neutralised with the sensation from the wide range of cigars available at whisgars.

Cigars, though similar to cigarettes, are really different in couple of aspect. Lighting a cigar is unlike lighting a cigarette – it takes a little longer. As you light your cigar, keep it above and near the flame, but no direct contact. Burning it directly in a flame makes it too hot. And while lighting, it is advisable to rotate the cigar so all parts of its tip are heated consistently. Once you see a glowing part around the tip, you are doing it right.

Once the cigar is lit, gently blow on the embers to create a smooth, completely rounded ash. Then take the first puff. Again, unlike cigarettes, you do not inhale the smoke into your system. You keep it in your mouth, taste it and then just let out the smoke. Inhaling may cause dizziness as the nicotine can be too much for one to accept.

I felt that the smoke kept in the mouth is really thick, and contained a strong “roasting” flavour. It’s like coffee black in the form of smoke? Yet there isn’t any strong aftertaste as you exhale each puff. Cigars are definitely an acquired taste.

Lockers are available for free with a minimum spending. Patrons often use these lockers to safe-keep their unfinished alcohol and as well as cigars. The area is temperature-controlled as well as it is kept in the dry region.

Whisgars satisfies customers looking to purchase whisky and cigars to enjoy at home, with a wide selection unrivalled in Thailand. Eventually there will be over 300 labels available, of which some are offered in global quantities of less than 500 bottles. On top of it, over 40 types of premium cigars.