Another high-end whisky bar has sprung up in the former French Concession, promising premium malts served over perfectly molded balls of ice chipped off a block frozen with minimal air pockets. It’s anal retentive, first-class drinking at its most sublime and ridiculous.
Malt Fun is one of those bars that has taken note from the Constellations, The Roof and Southern Cross (among others) and jumped in on the current Shanghai craze. They’ve got an abundance of wonderful whiskys from various Irish islands and the Scottish highlands, along with a smattering of bourbons, rums and other quality spirits. You can peruse the offerings on a trendy iPad, which in addition to prices offers tasting notes and photos. The barmen stay true to tradition, meanwhile, sporting tuxes and with their pour and stir down pat. You’re getting maximum bang for your RMB80 (the minimum you’ll pay for a glass of booze). There is also a short list of well-composed classic cocktails like Manhattans and martinis.
This place is for serious connoisseurs who take great joy in the art of drinking. If you’re looking for a wild time, look elsewhere; Malt Fun comes in form of quiet, contemplative conversations about the different hints of peat, vanilla or oak you can taste in your whisky. If you’re boozing alone, a barman will be happy to pick up the conversation.
