The Top 5 Old Fashioneds in Singapore

PUBLISHED September 20th, 2012 09:48 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:34 pm

Ah, the Old Fashioned. One of the most classic and popular drinks invented (can you tell I’m a fan?).

In my humble opinion, asking for an Old Fashioned in a bar is an excellent gauge on the quality of the rest of the their drinks. Because it’s such a simple drink in many ways, any variations or changes drastically efface the taste of the drink. It’s my view that if a bar makes a good Old Fashioned, the rest of the drinks won’t be half bad either.

So without further ado, I humbly present the City Nomad list of what we believe to be the best 5 Old Fashioneds in Singapore….

5. Fine Spirits @ La Maison du Whisky

80 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-10 The Pier – Singapore

Bar Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: from 6pm, Sunday: from 3pm

It has to be said, number 3 to 5 were all essentially tied. All excellent, just with minor variations in terms of place, price and style….

Seeing that La Maison du Whisky are the guys behind the legendary Whisky Live festival and import their own brands, it’s no surprise that their bar at Robertson Quay dishes up some quality cocktails… Their Old Fashioned is a staple. Have it made with a bourbon as tradition dictates or ask Tron for recommendations on alternative spirits. I’m personally a fan of the Blanton’s Original or the Jailer’s Tennessee Whisky.

4. 28 Hong Kong Street

(28 Hong Street, duh! Open Monday to Thursday – 5.30pm to 1am. Friday & Saturday – 5.30pm to 3am. Closed on Sundays.)

It’s no secret that the cocktails here are superb. But when it comes to Old Fashioneds, ordering at 28 HK can be a bit tricky. They make them expertly, but make sure you know what spirits and flavours you like. What I love about 28 is their immense selection of boutique and lesser-known spirits, so in this scenario, it’s a good idea to ask Mike Callahan or the staff there for recommendations on spirit. Word of advice from me, don’t go for a peaty or a sweet spirit. Keep things simple.

3. Jigger and Pony

(101 Amoy Street, 069921. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am)

Good old Jigger and Pony, this bar is already kicking up a storm with speakeasy 20s style cocktails, so it’s no wonder their Old Fashioned is a good’un. Use their Elijah Wood 12 year. You don’t get more ‘old fashioned’ than that.

2. Cufflink Club

( 6 Jiak Chuan Road, S089262. Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 5pm-1am, Friday: 5pm-2am, Saturday: 6pm-2am)

As far as a ‘traditional’ Old Fashioned goes, Joel Fraser’s Old Fashioned at Cufflink Club is the top pick.

Why is it so good? Is it the addition of the Spanish orange bitters, the beautiful golf-ball sized ice which keeps your drink a the perfect temperature, or is their healthy gentlemanly pour? Altogether, their Old Fashioned made with the George Dickel Bourbon is the best ‘standard’ Old Fashioned in Singapore. It’s smooth, slightly bitter-sweet and ever-so drinkable…

However, there is one slightly tastier…literally just by a nose…..

1. Catalunya

(Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay Singapore 049327. Opens 12 noon to 2am daily)

Dario’s Stallion (my name for it)…

In some ways I feel a little bad giving the pole position to Catalunya as it’s not exactly a traditional ‘Old Fashioned’. Yes it has the bitters, sugar and a dark spirit but it’s definitely a non-traditional variation. For a start, the key ingredient is 23 yr Ron Zacapa, not a bourbon or whisky! With a dash of chocolate bitters and topped with some smokey Mexican Mezcal….Wow.

When it arrived at the table, I almost cried…it looks and smells so fantastic, I only ended up taking a photo after drinking around a third of it already…. and it’s a very, very gentlemanly pour! This will go a long way.

Taste-wise, simply sensational. The rum base was delicious as expected….What really topped it off though was the Mezcal..just giving a slightly smokey finish to the concoction. Just mind-blowing. After you swallow, the nectar stays on your palate for at least a minute. What a finish!

Note, this is not actually on their menu – I only discovered this manna from heaven after asking head barman Dario what his last drink on earth would be…when he told me, I had to try and , and damn does the man have good taste! You’ll have to ask for it specially.

On their regular menu is the ‘Lover Boy’ Old Fashioned, which is also out-of-this-world….but I would advise to ask for less or no cinnamon as it’s quite overpowering.

On a final note I should also mention BarStories, CUT, Tippling Club, B28 & Maison Ikkoku, who while making a very good Old Fashioned, just, just, just missed out in the top 5 for me for one reason or another.

I imagine some will disagree with me on these picks, but then, it is all down to personal taste isn’t it?  What I can say is that if you are an Old Fashioned lover, none of the above will be less than impressive, nor will they burn a hole in your pocket.

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Written by The City Nomad, Updated on 10 April by Stephanie Y