Winner spotlight: Deven Rajput, Anmol Gurung and Alex Pun of Whisky & Words

Tucked away on a hidden stair alley in Central, Whisky & Words is a cosy and elegant speakeasy that stocks more than 300 whiskies from around the world.

The space was conceptualised for people who already know their whisky, as well as people who want to learn about the spirit in a laid-back setting. Besides serving up a thorough menu of whiskies, the speakeasy also offers regular masterclasses led by brand ambassadors, distillery owners and whisky experts. Keep an eye on its social media platforms about the next masterclass or guest bartender shift.

As general manager of Whisky & Words, Alex Pun brings a wealth of knowledge about whiskies and the bar scene in Hong Kong. He helps run the speakeasy on a daily (or nightly) basis and has high praise for the city’s nightlife.

“Hong Kong is a small but extremely vibrant place,” Pun says. “You have so many options in the same area, be it specialist drinking dens, cocktail bars, beer pong, shisha or clubbing, whatever pleases you. Everything is in such close proximity so that you never have to travel far from one spot to another – something which is always a pain in big cosmopolitans like London, Bangkok and Tokyo.”

The small size and geographic advantage of Hong Kong mean that it is easy to run into potential partners-in-crime. 

“We all have those mates who will turn any peaceful Saturday night into one which you will never forget,” Pun says.  For him, the perfect night is an unplanned one. The scene usually starts after a fancy dinner and a few glasses of wine.

“Pop by your local favourite for ‘one drink’ which is probably the biggest white lie of the century, run into a few mates and the night will take its own course. By the time you’re home, you will have no idea how you made it back, or indeed how you ended up in such a state. But hey, it was certainly a good spontaneous night.”

Whisky & Words, G/F, 7 Shin Hing Street, Central, 9889 8590

See the full list of Hong Kong Living Bar Awards 2020 here.

Feature image courtesy of Graham Uden