Whisky Wonderland: The understated address is easy enough to pass right by, but behind a heavy door is a tiny enclave for whisky enthusiasts in Sheung Wan.

Look & Feel: MALT Whisky Bar has a few small tables as well as leather stools stationed at the bar. It’s a small space, but smartly laid out to offer intimacy for couples and more socializing at the bar.

On the Menu: Whisky enthusiasts will delight in the long list of hard-to-find bottles with over 300 varieties available. There’s a focus on Asian labels, including lots of  Kavalan, Hibiki, Ichiro’s Malt, Akashi, Nikka and more. The kitchen is in the process of coming up with more snacks to add to the modest list of goose liver terrine, cheese platters and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Jeng: You will do well to order a Glendorach 18 ($225), but the Kavalan Soloist sherry cask ($215) goes down easy, as does the Yoichi Peaty & Salty ($250), and the Mars Iwai Traditional Blend ($80). For something smoky, we recommend the Ichiro’s Malt Peated ($450) which is worth the splurge. The four-whisky flights are reasonable (starting from $225) and interesting — some are vertical within a distillery and others are divided by peat, cask type, or region.

Not So Jeng: Bar snacks are a bit odd. The overpowering mustard pretzels clash with our whiskies, while the chocolate malt balls, oddly enough, taste great with the drinks.

Great For: Whisky flights, dates, hanging out, casual sips.

FYI: Ted, the bartender, crafts custom cocktails too for an element of surprise. And ask about the whisky gelato by XTC.

This writeup was based on an independent tasting. The Loop doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.