Though there are a myriad of cocktail bars in Hong Kong, many of which have a decent selection of whisky on show, there are fewer watering holes around town for a top whisky-drinking experience that goes beyond the liquid in the glass.
Whether the bartenders are particularly knowledgeable or the ambience worthy of a night out with that special someone, these bars have that little extra something special, especially if whisky is your poison. Check out our list of the best whisky bars in Hong Kong to help you to prioritise your drinking needs.
The best whisky bars in Hong Kong
Stockton
You can drink whisky in a bathtub, on a train, or even on the corner of D’Aguilar Street on a Saturday night, but one of the best places to do it is at Stockton, inspired by the decadence of Victorian London and conveniently located smack bang in the middle of Central. Stockton is heralded as being one of the first whisky bars in Hong Kong to carry the Singleton of Dufftown 21 years old. After more than two decades of beauty sleep, only one in 20,000 casks is used to craft this rich liquor that tastes of toffee and burnt orange.
Stockton, G/F, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, 2565 5268, book here
Mizunara: The Library
Mizunara gets a lot of points for the extra care put into its drinks. A bit of a black sheep amongst its peers on Lockhart Road, this high-class cocktail bar is worlds apart, secluded on the fourth floor of a 1970s building. Led by head bartender Massimo Petovello, Mizunara stocks more than 700 Japanese, Scottish, American, and Taiwanese whisky bottles, along with a curated selection of shochu from Kagoshima and sake from neighbouring Japanese prefectures. In classic Japanese fashion, the cocktail curation at Mizunara is obsessive, with careful attention paid to perfecting the drinks’ flavour profiles.
Mizunara: The Library, 4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361–363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 3571 9797, book here
Bar Butler
This intriguing two-storey Japanese bar (the dedicated whisky bar is on the sixth floor, with the cocktail bar located a floor below) dazzles with an intimate, sexy interior and amicable bartenders who will make you a drink to suit your mood, often incorporating seasonal fruits into the mix. Although each cocktail at Bar Butler will likely set you back a few hundred dollars, the awesome ambience of this bar, an offshoot of the original in Ginza, Tokyo, and the mystery surrounding your bespoke tipple make it worthwhile. Depending on your budget, we recommend testing out the bartenders’ skills by asking for a few tailor-made creations.
Bar Butler, 5/F & 6/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2724 3828/2723 4318
Whisky & Words
Whilst Whisky & Words does incorporate key whisky bar elements such as dim lights and dramatic backlighting into its design, the sleek and modern bar is a breath of fresh air as compared to more established whisky holes, featuring high ceilings, walls lined with vintage books and quirky trinkets, and lo-fi hip-hop background music completing the vibe. Whether you’re a long-time whisky expert or swan-diving into the spirit for the first time via cocktails, this bar is approachable and welcoming to all.
Whisky & Words, G/F, 7 Shin Hing Street, Central, 9889 8590
The Macallan House Hong Kong
A tribute to the single-malt Scotch whisky of the same name, The Macallan House offers three floors of retail and experiential space dedicated to whisky in all its glory. The 6,000-square-foot venue has been beautifully designed to transport guests to The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Alongside the extensive collection of both core and limited-edition whisky and related lifestyle accessories for sale is a bar and dining area where guests can savour The Macallan by the dram.
The Macallan House Hong Kong, G–2/F, 1 Stanley Street, Central, 3580 1277/8482 7012, book here
House Welley Whisky Bar
This chilled hidden whisky bar was founded by Vincent Leung, Eric Ho, and Jason Ngai, three whisky aficionados with a desire to share their passion for whisky with the public. Although House Welley doesn’t offer a menu as the bottle turnaround is so fast and furious, that’s what makes visiting this bar time and time again so much fun. Over 300 bottles are usually kept in stock, arranged behind the bar by style and global region. The owners take their time to patiently chat to customers to select the best whisky for each individual’s palate and price point.
House Welley Whisky Bar, Shop A, 2/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central, 2424 3231
Club Qing
Club Qing is an independent bottler of whisky and other spirits that also happens to run a cosy whisky bar in Lan Kwai Fong. The bar’s whisky selection is vast, focusing on rare and old whiskies, even those from closed distilleries like Brora and Port Ellen, with special attention paid to whisky from Japan. There’s something for everyone here, from whisky by the glass, to whisky-tasting sets, even to whisky by the cask.
Club Qing, 10/F, Cosmos Building, 8–11 Lan Kwai Fong, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 9379 7628
Uncle Ming’s
For sky-high whisky-imbibing, Uncle Ming’s, housed atop boutique hotel AKI Hong Kong – MGallery, is the answer. Highlights of the bar’s list of more than 100 whiskies from around the world include several dozen revered Scotch single malts and blends from the six main whisky regions of Scotland. Can’t decide on just one? There are whisky flights on offer as well as signature whisky cocktails. Uncle Ming’s also regularly hosts masterclasses with renowned global distilleries, so be sure to check their website for upcoming workshops. Oh, and if you happen to have your very own rare bottle or two, Uncle Ming’s private whisky lockers are available for stashing your goods.
Uncle Ming’s, 25/F, AKI Hong Kong – MGallery, 239 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, 2121 5023, WhatsApp 9816 1110
Bar Buonasera
Opened in 2012 as an outpost of the famed Osaka bar, Bar Buonasera competes with Bar Butler (see above) as the best Japanese whisky bar in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mody House building, located just one floor above its compatriot. The husband-and-wife mixology duo of Nick Tse and Ayako Miyake work their magic behind the bar, expertly designing bespoke cocktails to the whims of each customer. Nick-san in particular is beloved by regulars and has several signature drinks that include his moniker.
Bar Buonasera, 7/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2111 4444
Tiffany’s New York Bar
What’s a cocktail bar listicle without a swanky hotel bar? Tiffany’s New York Bar at the InterContinental Grand Stanford deftly fits the bill. The bar’s “roaring 20s” American vibe is sophisticated yet comfortable, and the bar staff are as knowledgeable and attentive as they come, known for their well-executed custom-made cocktails. Tiffany’s boasts a collection of more than 250 whisky labels, winning Gold in 2024 in the Best Whisky List from Hotel & Restaurant category in the RBHK Hong Kong Best Bars Awards.
Tiffany’s New York Bar, G/F, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2721 5161
