The sleek Connoisseur bar, opened in the old Bulldog building, unabashedly takes a page from the popular Constellation brand. Here, you’ll find extremely concentrated bartenders dressed in heather-gray suit vests, making meticulous mixing motions in front of a backlit bar, stacked liquor upon liqueur, and populated by nearly 150 whiskies (with more to come, we are assured).
The number of similarities is not surprising considering that, 10 years ago, affable manager Shane Xie cut his bartending teeth at Constellation I. After studying and working in Australia, Xie has returned to stir up whatever your palate might desire; be it a tall, dry Hendrick’s gin martini or a citrusy old fashioned (both RMB80). With regards to the latter at least, there seems to be a little inconsistency: where some receive a hand-carved ice ball, others must be content with regular ice. But the drinks are competent nonetheless. Cocktails with a twist are coming once their new menu is printed.
If you were wondering, the Constellation team is aware of and even endorses this spot. Upstairs, you’ll find Wine Plus Enoteca, which is owned by Constellation founder Jin-san. If it’s fermented grape juice you’re after, Mr. Jin offers 18 different kinds by the glass and hundreds by the bottle.
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