PARCHED | THE WALL

The Wall is an inviting new whisky and sumiyaki joint in Tanjong Pagar. The name derives from the brick walls that line the conservation shophouse once you enter, although those stoic bricks won’t be the first thing you notice. On the left side is a rack of more than 120 whiskies, which you can order by the glass (gentlemen’s pour here), and the selection is varied – it starts from a welcoming $14 to a dazzling $600/dram for a rare Laphroaig.

The Wall Yamazaki

There is also literally a wall of Yamazaki 18 Year Old here, total 46 bottles. This was quite a major coup for the company, buying up crates of this hard-to-find Japanese whisky. Yes, it’s all available for retail ($1,500), or to drink at the bar ($1,200).

The Wall interior

My initial skepticism about the place (‘another whisky joint, yeah, what’s different about it?’) was quickly dispelled when I saw their mind-rattling collections and the right wall, featuring various rare and collectible whiskies: the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary by Suntory; five bottles of Hibiki 30 Year Old Special Edition First Bottling; Yamazaki 50 Year Old;and every year of Glenfarclas from 1952 – 1995 (perfect if you’re looking for a birthday gift). We could go on (“impressed face”) but more fun if you go explore yourself.

The flights are friendly (and service too) and starts at $37, with whisky and sumiyaki sets from $49. The bar is so new that even the staff haven’t had time to try all the 120 bottles available for pouring. The idea to bring interesting whiskies to neophytes is laudable, though I’d suggest one start with a cocktail:

The Wall Brown Derby

The classic bourbon Brown Derby is remade here with the house’s Tiger’s Eye whisky; the cocktail is named for the eponymous hat-shaped Los Angeles diner. The libation is sweet and sour with a touch of grapefruit juice and a drip of honey syrup. Definitely a sensible opening drink before you board the whisky flights.

The Wall sumiyaki puffer fish

And as for its sumiyaki, everything is grilled fresh in the tiny kitchen, and made to pair with your flights or your pours. I particularly like the grilled marinated puffer fish.

The Wall lounge The lounge in the second floor is where masterclasses and tastings will be conducted – you can also have your drinks/omakase upstairs. Up here is where the rare wines are kept (15ºC all the time), and there’s a private room for six when you just want to enjoy your bottle in privacy – there’s a minimum spend, obvs.

The Wall wine cellar

I’m gonna have to say, the wine collection in here is priceless, but everything has a price once you ask. The Romanée-Conti 2009 (just say “DRC” to those in the know) can be yours for just £22,000. Many experts consider this Burgundy to be the best in the world. Only one way to find out…

As for the drams I liked…

The Wall whisky

The bar does its own independent bottlings, in collaboration with Sansibar. And they’re constantly sourcing for more unique cask strength expressions. This one is inspired by a similar Karuizawa series. And speaking of…

The Wall Karuizawa

The motherlode. Goodbye, and goodnight folks!

The Wall Boulevardier

Well not quite. Obviously when you’re in a whisky bar, you gotta order a Boulevardier. Specify your choice of whisky (I chose smoky) and this was the one for the road.

Parched verdict: If you build it, they will come… And pay for it.

Want to know more about whiskies? Here’s an extremely useful Whisky Flavour Profiles to 86 Scotch whiskies.

The Wall, 76 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088497, Tel: (65) 6225 7988.

Like this? How about a smaller hole-in-the-wall whisky joint?

Save