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| Nikka Whisky from the Barrel at Whisky Tango Foxtrot |
Whisky
Tango Foxtrot
Words by
Kirsten Durward
Kirsten Durward
Photos by the Yum List (Monica Tindall)
WTF IS
ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? So shrieks the typeset on the website of Whisky Tango
Foxtrot, the newest in KL’s slowly mushrooming selection of charismatic speakeasy style bars. This outlet, on the
top floor of Avenue K, is the second in what promises to be a small empire of
signature whisky and cigar bars.
ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? So shrieks the typeset on the website of Whisky Tango
Foxtrot, the newest in KL’s slowly mushrooming selection of charismatic speakeasy style bars. This outlet, on the
top floor of Avenue K, is the second in what promises to be a small empire of
signature whisky and cigar bars.
 |
| Nikka Whisky, 12 Years, Pure Malt |
A red London telephone booth
hidden at the back of Samba Brazilian Steakhouse is the secret entrance. Pick
up the telephone to be buzzed in. WTF is not just quite as tiny as it initially
appears. A gangster style mob boss sliding door on the back wall opens to reveal
further seating hidden behind. I suspect many men will enjoy a little fantasy
life here. Solid black armchairs cluster across from sophisticated floor to
ceiling locker racks. The regal purple ceiling has a splash of colour, echoed by
the backlit drinks cabinet that groans with bottles of WTF’s signature golden
spirit. Ranging from traditional Scottish malts to trendy Japanese whiskies,
you’re sure to find what my granddad would call ‘a swally’ to suit your tastes
here.
hidden at the back of Samba Brazilian Steakhouse is the secret entrance. Pick
up the telephone to be buzzed in. WTF is not just quite as tiny as it initially
appears. A gangster style mob boss sliding door on the back wall opens to reveal
further seating hidden behind. I suspect many men will enjoy a little fantasy
life here. Solid black armchairs cluster across from sophisticated floor to
ceiling locker racks. The regal purple ceiling has a splash of colour, echoed by
the backlit drinks cabinet that groans with bottles of WTF’s signature golden
spirit. Ranging from traditional Scottish malts to trendy Japanese whiskies,
you’re sure to find what my granddad would call ‘a swally’ to suit your tastes
here.
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| Enter Via Samba – Brazilian Restaurant on the Third Floor |
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| Look for the Phone Booth |
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| After You’ve Entered the Secret Code |
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| Interior |
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| Whisky Lockers with Initials |
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| Private Room |
Our host tonight is Jazz who
tells us proudly that WTF is the first outlet in KL to offer the Nikka range of
whiskies that he is inviting us to taste.
tells us proudly that WTF is the first outlet in KL to offer the Nikka range of
whiskies that he is inviting us to taste.
The first glass is the Nikka
Coffey Grain (RM535 a bottle). Distilled in a copper still, this distinctive
tipple gets it’s unusual name from the still’s designer, a Scot, named Coffey. We
try it first without ice, my preference being no Sassenach! The taste is golden
amber with a slight bourbon hint and an undercurrent of sweetness. The texture
is quite viscous and we are all smacking our lips with satisfaction. For the
Coffey Grain, Jazz recommends a light to medium bodied cigar such as the Hoyo
de Monterrey Flor Extrafina.
Coffey Grain (RM535 a bottle). Distilled in a copper still, this distinctive
tipple gets it’s unusual name from the still’s designer, a Scot, named Coffey. We
try it first without ice, my preference being no Sassenach! The taste is golden
amber with a slight bourbon hint and an undercurrent of sweetness. The texture
is quite viscous and we are all smacking our lips with satisfaction. For the
Coffey Grain, Jazz recommends a light to medium bodied cigar such as the Hoyo
de Monterrey Flor Extrafina.
 |
| Cigar and Whisky Pairing |
Our second taste test is the
TAKETSUKU, Nikka 12 year old pure malt (RM530 a bottle. We all enjoy the smoky
notes of this classic Japanese Whisky. A signature ball of frozen mineral water
is added to the second glass, creating a slightly thinner, lighter taste. It
all depends on personal preference, but when it comes to whisky, I’m a full
punch kind of girl. According to our host, TAKETSUKU is best paired with a
medium cigar such as the San Cristobal de La Habana.
TAKETSUKU, Nikka 12 year old pure malt (RM530 a bottle. We all enjoy the smoky
notes of this classic Japanese Whisky. A signature ball of frozen mineral water
is added to the second glass, creating a slightly thinner, lighter taste. It
all depends on personal preference, but when it comes to whisky, I’m a full
punch kind of girl. According to our host, TAKETSUKU is best paired with a
medium cigar such as the San Cristobal de La Habana.
 |
| San Cristobal de la Habana Cigars and Nikka Whisky 12 Years Pure Malt |
A short squat bottle
reminiscent of Chanel in design is Nikka from the Barrel (RM435 for a 500 ml
bottle). Be warned – this is a 51% liquor! I have to admit that this one makes
my eyes water and Jazz laughs as my face screws up a little as the strength
hits. However a little swill and a rest in the moist air and the flavour warms
up nicely. Probably most would enjoy this one with a drop of water, but I still
can’t get my palate around whisky with iced water, even in this climate. For
cigar pairing a medium to full bodied smoke is suggested, such as the Partagas Serie D No. 4.
reminiscent of Chanel in design is Nikka from the Barrel (RM435 for a 500 ml
bottle). Be warned – this is a 51% liquor! I have to admit that this one makes
my eyes water and Jazz laughs as my face screws up a little as the strength
hits. However a little swill and a rest in the moist air and the flavour warms
up nicely. Probably most would enjoy this one with a drop of water, but I still
can’t get my palate around whisky with iced water, even in this climate. For
cigar pairing a medium to full bodied smoke is suggested, such as the Partagas Serie D No. 4.
 |
| Nikka Whisky and Partacas Cigars |
By now the temptation has
overwhelmed Caning and he capitulates to trying a cigar. The cigar is clipped
and a stylish gun style lighter sizzles searing heat on the end. Señor
Jaramillo is now puffing away like an engine giving the seal of approval with
raised eyebrows and a nod. Even I am tempted to try a puff and am coached in
the correct lip smacking approach, as I taste the pleasantly malty flavours. WTF
offers a mighty range of cigars from all over the cigar-producing world. First
timers might enjoy a Don Diego Panatela sweet with a vanilla hint, while
connoisseurs could sample the mighty Padrón, an unusual, really airy complex boutique
cigar from Nicaragua. A special pairing of Cohiba Behike is offered with
Martell Cohiba Cognac.
overwhelmed Caning and he capitulates to trying a cigar. The cigar is clipped
and a stylish gun style lighter sizzles searing heat on the end. Señor
Jaramillo is now puffing away like an engine giving the seal of approval with
raised eyebrows and a nod. Even I am tempted to try a puff and am coached in
the correct lip smacking approach, as I taste the pleasantly malty flavours. WTF
offers a mighty range of cigars from all over the cigar-producing world. First
timers might enjoy a Don Diego Panatela sweet with a vanilla hint, while
connoisseurs could sample the mighty Padrón, an unusual, really airy complex boutique
cigar from Nicaragua. A special pairing of Cohiba Behike is offered with
Martell Cohiba Cognac.
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| Lighting Up |
Our host Jazz is a true
‘patron,’ with his twin passions of whisky and cigar. If you’re not sure what
to try and need a guide, staff are there on hand to advise you on pairing for
your own particular tastes. Box after box is opened for us and each cigar has
its construction, taste and texture explained with ‘gusto.’ Jazz muses, ‘every one
is special to me… ‘ while offering us a taste of Don Papa, an unusual
Filipino rum that I’ve never even heard of. It has a vanilla scent on the nose
then butterscotch, with aromatic citrus undernotes in taste, almost like a
liqueur but with thinner texture and stronger alcohol bite. Jazz assures us anyone can ask for a taste
and then breaks out some bottles of Morand schnapps. ‘Some times we offer our guests a certain ‘on
the house’ shot. We want them to enjoy the that feeling of being special.’ Ok remind me to eat before coming, the next
time…
‘patron,’ with his twin passions of whisky and cigar. If you’re not sure what
to try and need a guide, staff are there on hand to advise you on pairing for
your own particular tastes. Box after box is opened for us and each cigar has
its construction, taste and texture explained with ‘gusto.’ Jazz muses, ‘every one
is special to me… ‘ while offering us a taste of Don Papa, an unusual
Filipino rum that I’ve never even heard of. It has a vanilla scent on the nose
then butterscotch, with aromatic citrus undernotes in taste, almost like a
liqueur but with thinner texture and stronger alcohol bite. Jazz assures us anyone can ask for a taste
and then breaks out some bottles of Morand schnapps. ‘Some times we offer our guests a certain ‘on
the house’ shot. We want them to enjoy the that feeling of being special.’ Ok remind me to eat before coming, the next
time…
 |
| Don Papa Rum |
Whisky Tango Foxtrot is
primarily a Membership Establishment and although drop-ins are welcomed, you
will be expected to buy a bottle! Although the concept is definitively whisky
drinking and cigar smoking, a few other wine and liquor options by the bottle
are provided for the client with a more diverse taste centre. We’re assured
that the wine list will be expanding. If you enjoy sharing a few tipples with
your friends or business partners to chew the fat or seal a deal in a funky
atmosphere with a fat cigar on your lip then this could be a spot for you to
tap into.
primarily a Membership Establishment and although drop-ins are welcomed, you
will be expected to buy a bottle! Although the concept is definitively whisky
drinking and cigar smoking, a few other wine and liquor options by the bottle
are provided for the client with a more diverse taste centre. We’re assured
that the wine list will be expanding. If you enjoy sharing a few tipples with
your friends or business partners to chew the fat or seal a deal in a funky
atmosphere with a fat cigar on your lip then this could be a spot for you to
tap into.
 |
| Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky |
WTF membership has three tiers:
Corona is
a free membership with which you receive notification of special events.
a free membership with which you receive notification of special events.
Robusto is
a RM500 membership which gains you 5% off your spend.
a RM500 membership which gains you 5% off your spend.
Churchhill
is a RM2000 membership which gains you 10% off your spend, a personal drinks
locker and, the password for the door.
is a RM2000 membership which gains you 10% off your spend, a personal drinks
locker and, the password for the door.
Reasons to visit: sophisticated simplicity; personalized lockers to keep your stash; Asia’s
largest selection of fine cigars and: frankly a whisky aficionado’s dream.
largest selection of fine cigars and: frankly a whisky aficionado’s dream.
Whisky
Tango Foxtrot
Tango Foxtrot
(The entrance is via Samba Brazilian Steakhouse
– head to the back of the room and look for the telephone booth. Pick up the
phone to enter.)
– head to the back of the room and look for the telephone booth. Pick up the
phone to enter.)
Level 3
Avenue K
Avenue K
156
Jalan Ampang
Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
WTF is open daily midday ‘til midnight
WTF?! The phone box entrance is really cool!
The interior feels like a secret war room too.
It's interesting that they're selling Japanese whisky instead of Scotch whisky? He he…
What's the secret code?
The Japanese whiskies are in addition to Scotch — they have both. 🙂
That phone box entrance is just fun!