The cocktail wave is riding high in Singapore now and there has been an absolute feast of riches when it comes to quality cocktail bars. During cocktail week this year, I had the opportunity to try out many of them myself and found much to love about all of them. While it’s definitely working in favour of consumers like us, the difficult thing for any upcoming bar is setting themselves apart from their rivals.
When evaluating a bar, I believe that three elements need to come together. Ambience, drinks and service. Food and price matter, but they take a back seat in this case. At the end of the day, however, the simplest test is simply whether one would return to the bar, and bring friends with him in the bargain.
Fortunately, in the case of The Powder Room, that last question can be answered with a resounding “Yes!”
Let’s talk about ambience. Located on the second floor of the historic The Quadrant in Cecil Street, the lush decor calls back to the Roaring Twenties in America, with an exquisite art deco style that should immediately bring to mind The Great Gatsby. I adored the combination of unbridled grandeur and old school charm that the place exuded. It’s not just about the layout and furnishing. The attention to detail is staggering, down to the choices of barware, which you’ll see more of later.
The best ambience in the world won’t save a bar whose drinks are found wanting, however. People come here to drink, and will come back to drink, not just to lap in the decor, as beautiful as it is. I had the fortune of sampling quite a number of the offerings at a tasting session organised by the Powder Room folks.
While one can hardly go wrong with the classic cocktails, Lo and Behold Groups Drinks Mentor Julian Serna, formerly of top bar Eau de Vie, aimed quite a bit higher than that. Many of the concoctions served up by him and his crew incorporate innovative modern techniques in addition to the classic muddle, shake and stir. Sous Vide preparation, use of smoke infusion, liquid nitrogen and even charring the serving platter are all finely juxtaposed with the classic decor.
We started with the Vice Chairman’s Vice, a gin based punch that tantalised with notes of citrus, elderflower and lavender. Most refreshing, light and very drinkable, though not something to write home about, necessarily. More of an amuse-bouche for the other cocktails- and it serves its purpose of whetting the tastebuds well.
In another tongue in cheek reference, the Thank You for Smoking was up next. Something a little heavier, this was a whisky infused with cigars and coffee, then topped off with a sweet port reduction, chocolate bitters and a hint of cherry. Served on a wooden serving board, which is charred on the spot to give a whiff of caramel and wood.The result is an impressively balanced drink, neither overly sweet nor bitter. Full and complex, lots of interesting notes for those who enjoy their drinks stiffer and full-bodied. Very interesting- a coffee and smoke, all in a drink. Very creative indeed!
I’ve had the B. B King before at The Black Swan, on the first floor of the same building. It was as good as I remembered. Banana flavoured whisky and maple syrup are combined with a homemade banana sorbet to form a tasty treat that puts in mind the banana splits, waffles and ice cream that I’ve enjoyed as a kid. According to Julian, this is a crowd pleaser, and I can definitely see why. It’s a beautiful desert and digestif all in one. If you only have one drink at The Powder Room, you should have this one.
We ended the tasting with The Flying Swan, a light and refreshing gin, vodka and sherry group serve, with elderflower. peach and lychee giving it a nice, fruity savour. Served in an Absinthe fountain, the attention to detail really jumps out; how many of these have you seen around lately? Exquisite.
While I couldn’t evaluate the service at a tasting session, there should be no complaints if the thought that went into the cocktails and setting was any indication of quality.
Overall, I’d say that The Powder Room is a great place to enjoy a fun night out with friends, loved ones, or even by oneself. The drinks are fantastic and there’s just so much to enjoy. The little touches made such a difference in the whole cocktail experience. The eyes, the nose, the ears and the touch are left tingling. Admiring the creativity of the cocktails, how they complement a meal and fit the mood and ambience of the establishment keeps the mind pleasantly engaged and the heart soothed.
That’s the whole package. Arousing the senses, the mind and the heart elevates The Powder Room above the other establishments in Singapore today.
Be sure to check it out. You won’t regret it.
The Powder Room
19 Cecil Street
Singapore 049704
