Master Of Spirits 61 (酒匠61) is a hidden bar at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine). There are absolutely no signboards on its facade. This drinking establishment was restored from a dilapidated shop while retaining its original architecture. It specializes in molecular cocktails, which is the main focus of today’s review.
Cocktail sampling kicks off with Poison Potion (RM68.00), which is presented in a skull-shaped glass. The drink is concocted from Apple Fox cider, pomegranate juice and whisky. Upon closer inspection, one notices edible glitter suspended in the drink. Poison Potion has a sweet-sour fruitiness, making it the ideal choice for casual drinkers.
Next, Whisky Shower (RM38.00) is obviously a parody of Whisky Sour. Like the popular mixed drink, Whisky Shower is prepared from whisky, lemon juice, egg white and honey. The floating honey foam is an impressive handiwork of molecular gastronomy.
Moving on, Old Fashioned (RM38.00) is a mixture of whisky, bitters and sugar. A piece of honeycomb is allowed to dissolve in the full body cocktail. Unfortunately honeycomb is not available today, so the bartender had to improvise with honey-glazed apple.
Alcoholic beverages go well with finger foods. To this end, the bar offers a tapas menu which covers familiar snacks like Truffle Fries (RM15.00), Chicken Popcorn (RM15.00), Deep-Fried Calamari (RM15.00), Smoked Duck Breast and Fish And Chips. Some of these dishes come with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, horseradish sauce and sour cream. The tartar sauce is surprisingly good.
Besides cocktails, Master Of Spirits 61 also pours draft beer and liquor like whisky, rum and gin. Further from the bar is the lounge area and a private room. Smoking is permitted, but unlike Magazine 63 next door, the air here is surprisingly fresh. A two-piece band performs every Friday and Saturday evening starting 11:00pm. While you are here, do check out Platform 9 3/4 at the back section of this drinking establishment.
Name: Master Of Spirits 61
Address: 61, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-526-8187
Business hours: 6:00pm-3:00am
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.41221 N, 100.33206 E
Directions: Master Of Spirits 61 is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), approximately 200 meters from the junction with Jalan C.Y. Choy. The bar is located on the left side of this one-way street. There is an outdoor parking space on the opposite side of Magazine Road. The parking fee here is RM3.00 per entry.