“Whiskey, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it's time to drink,” wrote Haruki Murakami. Often favored – and passed over – for a Nobel Prize, we can understand why Murakami drinks. After our trip to Chill, we better understand why he chooses whiskey.
When we visit the Software Industrial Park, it’s rainy and silent, with only the occasional window lit by fluorescent light.
Chill’s dimly lit yellow logo stands out like a beacon, sporting a jigger in place of an ‘i.’ No doubt the bar’s floor-to-ceiling glass entrance is meant to tempt stressed-out programmers after a long day of coding.
Entering Chill, we find a haven from the terrible weather; viewing their back-shelf stock, our spirits also begin rising. The two-floor layout offers plenty of space for customers, explaining why cubicle dwellers have welcomed the lounge with such zest.
Bartender William Zeng smiles, chatting away in fluent English as he begins serving our drinks.
The Pina Isla (RMB98) flows across the palate, with a distinct fruity tang, created by a mix of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and grilled pineapple.
Asking for a stronger drink produces the Mafia (RMB98), a tart mix of rye whisky and an artichoke-based bittersweet. Each sip packs a bite.
If one favors their tipple straight, a glass of the clean and sweet single malt Yamazaki 10 (RMB180) will loosen even the tightest white collar.
Will Huang, the co-owner of Chill, says that the bathroom is stocked with Aesop brand hand sanitizer, something he feels is a selling point. Mentioning this semi-chic cleaning fluid is very important to him. Very important.
With fairly priced cocktails, a cozy ambiance and a selection of alcohol much needed in the relatively dry industrial park, there’s little doubt Chill will be attracting the employees of some of Shenzhen’s hottest startups.
Price: about RMB150
Who’s going: fans of Compass, IT dudes, overseas returnees
Good for: cozy ambiance, chilling out and warming up
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