*Reviewed and written by Lester Liang
No doubt popular bars and drinking places were packed in recent weeks with crowds anticipating the countdown to usher in the New Year. Amidst all these merry-making, there is always room for new enterprises. One such bar which opened its doors roughly 5 months ago is SIX Bangsar. An amalgamation idea of six friends (hence the name), SIX houses an award winning mixologist, Imran, who has created all of SIX’s signature cocktails as well as putting his own touch on classic favorites.
I had a chance to check out some of SIX’s signature cocktails and they are pretty mind-blowing. SIX has introduced these new signature cocktails to their lineup recently. These new cocktails incorporate a more localized set of ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir leaves and pandan to give off a sense of local Malaysian theme.
Imran doing his stuff
6 Hit Wonder (RM36 nett)
First up there’s the 6 Hit Wonder – where aged tequila is infused with lemongrass and kaffir leaves which Imran hand-pounded so diligently to extract as much flavor and aroma as possible from the leaves. Vermouth and Aperol are then added and stirred with heaps of ice to provide body and depth to the cocktail and finished off with organic agave nectar combined with their SIX house bitters to give a bittersweet taste on the palate.
6 Times a Lady (RM36 nett)
Next we have 6 Times a Lady, where pandan and Mexican Reposado infused rum is mixed with lime citrus and topped with shavings of ginger and tender coconut. Don’t let its milky white appearance fool you into thinking that this will be an overpowering creamy drink, for its combination of sweet, fragrant, citrus and bitterness that comes from the SIX house bitters will surely play and flirt with your taste buds all night long.
Back to Square 6 (RM42 nett)
It’s time to take a step Back to Square 6 and man up for this next cocktail. Hendricks Gin with a huge splash of Shochu Wanko. Too manly for you? Ok, a pinch of Salted Syrup and a dash of infused Cucumber Bitters to ‘tone it down’ ever so slightly and served in a tastefully done cucumber-wrapped martini glass – how about that?
The Lesser of 6 Evils (RM38 nett)
This right here is my favorite of the night – The Lesser of 6 Evils. The base of this drink is SIX’s own black truffle and organic olive oil infused vodka. The aromatic vodka is permeated with a drop of lime, simple syrup for added sweetness, lemon zest for a citrusy tang and frothy egg white that adds a subtle hint of creaminess to the superlative medley of a cocktail. You can opt to skip the lemon zest to have a more prominent whiff of the truffle flavor that perfumes your palate slowly upon the first sip.
Cloud 6 (RM38 nett)
Last but certainly not least on SIX’s new range of cocktails is Cloud 6. Using premium elements like the Singleton Single Malt whisky and a drop of SIX Pedro Ximinez, this concoction is served in a glass that’s meticulously permeated with lavender scent by swirling lavender flowers in the glass beforehand. Served with lavender infused ice and a dash of lemon syrup and aromatic apple ribbons, this drink delivers a rich fruity and aromatic taste on the senses.
Oh I had a taste of SIX’s special cocktail for Christmas – their take on eggnog, it seems. Creatively called 6 Eggs Short of a Basket (with alcohol) and the non-alcoholic version called 6 Eggs Short of a Shot (don’t you just love their humour in the names?!) It certainly tasted very Christmassy, full of spices blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. These were all infused into spiced rum and their special house-made creamy custard – really rich! You probably have to wait till next Christmas to taste this unless Imran is nicely persuaded to make this before then.
6 Eggs Short of a Basket
Apart from the new cocktails featured here, another local favorite in SIX is the bar’s Guinness Tarik cocktail which is Imran’s take on our popular Teh Tarik but with Guinness instead. That sounds really intriguing, doesn’t it?
SIX’s spread of cocktails are unlike any other bar around and this is the place for you if you are looking for an extraordinary drinking experience. If however you manage to catch Imran during a quiet night, feel free to tell him what you fancy or are in the mood for and he will whip up a drink off-menu especially for you.
Whisky lovers should make a beeline for SIX’s impressive selection – 22 different types, I heard. From blended to single malt varieties, including a wide range of popular Scottish and Japanese high-end stuff.
SIX’s itinerary includes a Girl’s Nite Out every Wednesday while Thursday houses a live acoustic band. Additionally, Fridays will have a resident DJ playing old school, R&B tunes to loosen you up for the weekend.
SIX
33A Jalan Telawi 3
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2202-0029/019-231-7000
Opens from 5.00pm till late