Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL

Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL

Words: Monica Tindall Photos: Rich Callahan

We first visited Potions Bar KL in 2019, not long after it opened. We had a blast with the energetic team and creative cocktails. Since that time, and with some serious research over various lockdowns, the team have matured and so has the bar.

Potions KL maintains an upbeat, cool vibe with lively Latin jazz tunes adding their own unique rhythm. A lab theme remains with apothecary bottles, beakers and domes holding taxidermied butterflies. The drinks’ presentation continues to be fun and Insta-worthy, but the cocktails have evolved. I find many I love here – spirit-forward, balanced drinks, minimal sugar syrup and fresh, sour finishes. Additionally, they’ve upped the game significantly with a mighty gin collection featuring shelves and shelves of boutique labels.

Insta-worthy (and Taste-worthy) Cocktails

Before we get to the serious business of gin tasting, cocktails have us smiling not only because of their imaginative garnishes but because they taste darn good too. With names such as “Allow Me to Die,” “Heroin”, and “Ketamine,” you know the team are good-humoured, approaching their work with a sense of fun. A vibrant dash of local ingredients further inspires high spirits. 

Taking advice from the bar team, we start soft with Liquid Marijuana (RM 45) and move on to the hard stuff later with Cocaine (RM 45). I ask bartender Shehab, “What were you thinking (smoking) when you came up with Liquid Marijuana?” He cheekily says he’s added some fresh leaves (sprigs of dill) on the side so I might discover for myself. The herbs wrap around a beaker, along with a rubber snake. Bottom lit, the liquid shines iridescent blue. The dill extends beyond pretty garnish to make a tasty herbal dill infusion for the gin. White rum, melon liqueur, maraschino liqueur and lime juice are shaken with the mix, producing a refreshing and mildly herbal finish.

Taking the entertainment factor up a notch, Cocaine (RM 45) is served over ice with “cocaine” lemon powder in a plastic baggie on the side – snorting optional. Playing cards are provided for making your own “line,” and a lit skull shines from the side, reminding drinkers of the possible consequences of overconsumption. To blow your mind a little further, psychedelic colours flash from a light underneath the glass. It’s not all show, though. The bevvie itself is a tasty combo of ice-cold rum, coca leaf liqueur, lime juice, kumquat syrup and celery bitters. Delish.

Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL

Besides an eye-catching cocktail menu, Potions Bar has a significant compendium of gin. We try some new additions and are stoked to find some seasonal labels and limited collections. Gin lovers would be well-advised to get in a sip before they sell out. Here’s what we taste:

Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL – Pothecary

Pothecary (RM 48, 44.8% ABV) is an organic British blend gin. It’s aromatic and floral, with lavender at the forefront. Undertones of juniper and citrus and subtle notes of honey and black tea make for a complex palate. The lavender returns at the end, making a lingering floral finish.

Blind Tiger Piper Cubeba 

The next, Blind Tiger Piper Cubeba (RM 45, 47% ABV), is a Belgian gin created by the Deluxe Distillery. It sports a complex peppery kick, and malted barley ensures a long, warming aftertaste. More spice is found in the conclusion with cracked pepper, ginger, licorice root and cardamom.

Cuckoo Sunshine

Possibly the most enticing aromas of the selection come from Cuckoo Sunshine (RM 48, 40% ABV). The bottle says, “buzzing with honey & raspberry,” and we can’t help but agree. It smells of warm summers in the English countryside with a soft creaminess and constant juniper presence. Wonderful.

 Skin Gin (RM 48)

Going from the best-smelling gin to the most interesting bottle, the handcrafted German dry gin, Skin Gin (RM 48, 42% ABV), comes in a snakeskin covered prism. Seven hand-picked botanicals harmonize to form an exceptionally fresh finish with a gentle palate: Moroccan mint, juniper, Spanish orange and pink grapefruit peel, Italian lime and lemon, and coriander from Vietnam. With its minty finish, we think it is a great breath freshener to end your night on.

Twisted Nose

The swirled glass, translucent blue bottle of the Twisted Nose (RM 45, 40% ABV) gin sure is a beauty. This English spirit has been distilled with watercress giving a perfumy appeal to the nose, which carries over to the palate. It’s soft and round and easy to drink.

Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL

Potions Bar is a super place to grab a drink with friends. Their cocktail menu is delicious and entertaining, and the gin collection is guaranteed to make your mouth water. Furthermore, the team are holding a gin tasting evening with Gainsbrand, importers of several craft gin labels to Malaysia, on the 29th of October. See the poster below for details.

Reasons to attend a Gin Tasting at Potions Bar KL: fantastic bank of boutique labels and limited series gins.

Potions Bar KL
24A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre
50100 Kuala Lumpur
+6 018 200 0262

https://m.facebook.com/potionsandthelaughingpool/

Potions Bar KL Operating Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm until late
Closed Mondays

Find more KL bar recommendations here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Malaysia here and here.