Tucked away at a secluded corner of InterContinental Singapore, Quaich Bar Wanderlust is a cocktail bar and whisky house stocked with more than 100 different types of whiskies. Named after the Scottish Gaelic word “cuach” in reference to the tradition of the two-handed vessel for sipping whiskies and a symbol of Scottish hospitality, Quaich Bar Wanderlust is the latest whisky outlet opened by the owners behind The Whisky Store, best known as Singapore’s first whisky dedicated bar.

Under the hands of Chef Mervin Leong, one can try his personal interpretation of renditions of favourite dishes from different countries around the world.

The grilled octopus leg ($28++) is soft and tender but what stands out for me is the herb-perfumed browned baby potatoes that have a creamy mouthfeel.

Next, the seared Hokkaido scallops ($25++) are juicy. The touch of salty ikura pearls enhances the overall texture of the dish.

My favourite dish at Quaich, Singapore soft shell crab ($20++), comes with fried mantou. I love dousing the crispy mantou in the sweet and savoury chilli sauce. The crispy soft shell crab enveloped in the warm chilli crab sauce spells comfort.

There are also bar bites such as nan lu pork belly ($16++). The deep fried pork belly marinated in fermented beancurd is crispy, umami-ish and addictive although I would have preferred that the pork belly is marinated longer so as to allow the flavours develop further.

A (sensible) meal is never complete without veggies so it is a delight to have the fried brussel sprouts ($16++) coated in homemade teriyaki sauce. Charred, crisp and richly caramelized, the brussel sprouts are a crowd pleaser. Another crowd favourite is the fried oysters ($18++) – the breaded oysters are crunchy on the outside; juicy and moist on the inside. 

Before we took off, we were treated to a whisky flight ($77++) that introduced us to some of the house exclusives which includes Bunnahabhain 12 years (Scotland), Currach Atlantic Kombu Seaweed Single Malt Irish Whisky (Ireland), The Lakes Colheita Single Malt Whisky (England) and Three Ships (South Africa). For the adventurous, I would recommend going for the irish whisky infused with kombu seaweed. At first sip, the torched kombu seaweed comes right at you – savoury, almost umami – an acquired taste. Whisky lovers who are inclined to fruity flavours might be keen to try the English whisky where the resulting nose is vibrant with hints of candied seville orange and pickled cherries; the palate complex with notes of cinnamon.

Alluding to the travel-inspired theme, the cocktail menu at Wanderlust showcases familiar flavours of its inspired country, with General Manager and Head Bartender, Joshua Sim, putting his personal spin on these cocktails by incorporating bitters and syrups made in-house.

If you like your cocktails savoury, be sure to check out Miyeok Guk ($25++) – a concoction of makgeolli (korean sparkling rice wine), seaweed washed vodka and 3 drops of sesame oil – may or may not have transplanted me drinking makgeolli in a korean BBQ restaurant.

Annie are you okay?, a stiff tipple inspired by Sazerac (considered by many as America’s oldest cocktail) packs a theatrical punch with anise smoke coming out of the round bottomed flask and garnished with a lemon biscuit (instead of a lemon peel). Complex and bold, this is surely not for the fainthearted.

All in all, I would come back here for the drinks (even though on the pricey side) as the selection of whiskies offered here is impressive and definitely a place where you can bring your date to for after-dinner drinks.

Quaich Bar Wanderlust
InterContinental Singapore Lobby Level, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 9818 0885
Sun to Th 6pm to 1am
Fri & Sat 6pm to 2am
facebook

Food: 5.75/10
Decor/ambience: 6.25/10
Price/value: 6/10

You may be interested in…
– Kakurega (The Lair), Chinatown: Japanese Sake Izakaya with Great Bites + Liquid Buffet
– The House Bar, Regent Hotel: The Japanese Speakeasy Behind a Painting
– Guriru by Teppei, Outram: Charcoal-grilled Seafood by the Pool. It’s a Party in the S.G.H.
– Armoury, South Beach Quarter: Steakhouse with 15 Rotating Craft Beer Taps Adds Spanish Tapas to Their Menu

This is an invited tasting. Written by Vanessa Khong. Vanessa is someone who enjoys checking out the local food scene. She believes the way to her heart is through her stomach.