PUBLISHED September 26th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:25 pm
Known for his wit and profligacy, the American author, Mark Twain, was rumoured to have once proclaimed, “If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, then I shall not go.” For some of us, the tannic flavours of good cigars remain an essential pleasure of life, as is a good drink. We’ve scoured the island, and rounded up five exquisite cigar rooms in Singapore that aficionados such as Mark Twain would certainly approve of.
Quaich Bar
Established almost a decade ago, Quaich Bar at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront is the most impeccable bar of its sort that you’ll find in Singapore. With a selection of more than 300 varieties of whisky, it is no wonder that this swanky spot has been lauded – by Whisky Magazine, no less – as one of the “Great Whiskey Bars of the World”. More important, however, is the place’s cosy cigar room, which boasts more than thirty labels of cigars, and an array of cutters to suit your needs. Decked out in the plushest, custom-leather couches, Quaich Bar is perfect for a quiet evening spent, whisky and smoke in hand.
Quaich Bar is located at 390A Havelock Road, Waterfront Plaza, #01-09/10, Singapore 169663, p.+65 6732 3452. Open Sun – Thu, 5pm – 1am, Fri & Sat, 5pm – 2am.
The Olde Cuban
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Chinatown, above a zi char store, is Singapore’s largest walk-in humidor. Surely, from the shop-house’s prosaic exterior, you could never guess the sort of treasures that are stored within The Olde Cuban. But it is in this very charming and understated venue, that you’ll be able to find over 200 brands of cigars, from the famed, Cuban Havanas to the popular Macanudos from the Dominican Republic. Frequented mostly by regulars, do get acquainted with your fellow patrons, for it won’t be long before you’ll be enjoying the unique exclusivity of this fascinating place.
The Olde Cuban is located at 2 Trengganu Street, #02-01, Singapore 058456, p. +65 6222 2207. Open Mon – Fri, 11am – 12.30am, Sat & Sun, 1pm – 12.30am.
The Connoisseur Divan
Aptly named for its luxurious furnishings, this opulent emporium boasts of an inimitable, old-school glamour, in addition to its wide range of premium single-malt whiskies as well as its impressive selection of close to 300 cigar labels. Coupled with live bands accompanying your evenings with their slow, jazzy tunes, the place feels almost like a scene out of The Great Gatsby. Only, this time, you’ll get to be the one to kick back in a lavish armchair, and revel in the finer things in life.
The Connoisseur Divan is located at 207 River Valley Rd, Singapore 238275, p. +65 6733 7141. Open Mon – Thu, 4pm – 12.30am, Fri & Sat, 4pm – 1.30am, Sun, 4pm – 12am.
Robusto (Que Pasa)
Situated right above the ever-vibrant and bustling Spanish tapas bar, Que Pasa, this member’s only cigar lounge is practically a gem hidden in plain sight. At the restaurant itself, you’ll be able to order from a standard drinks and cigar menu, on which you’ll find their signature Sangria punches, port, as well as Havana cigars. But it is only when you proceed upstairs, into the calm and rustic private space, that the magic truly happens. Homely and intimate, the curious atmosphere of Robusto is almost sufficient to transport you into the idyllic landscape of Cuba, from the moment you step into the threshold.
Que Pasa is located at 7 Emerald Hill Rd, Singapore 229291, p. +65 6235 6626. Open Mon-Thu, 1.30pm – 2am, Fri & Sat, 1.30pm – 3am, Sun, 5.30pm – 2am. Robusta’s private cigar lounge accessible to invited guests only, and is available for bookings at +65 6836 2686.
Capital Zouk Singapore
Surprised to see this established club on the list? Well, this is no mistake at all, for Zouk’s latest venture at Clarke Quay not only features an expansive lounge and whiskey bar, but is also home to a stunning, state-of-the-art cigar room. Furnished with dark wood accents and muted tones, this modern take on an oft-antiquated concept exudes an unmistakable air of refinement, to say the least. Though you won’t be able to purchase any cigars here as yet, the place is, nevertheless, conducive for a relaxing night spent appreciating the sumptuous flavours of your cigars. Even better, now that the cigar room has been brought into the club, your smokes and club nights will no longer have to be mutually exclusive anymore.
Capital Zouk Singapore is located at 3C River Valley Road, #02-05, The Cannery, 179022, p. +65 6738 2988. Open Thu, 9pm – 2am, Fri, 7pm – 4am, Sat, 9pm – 4am.