If you manage to track down this discreetly located whisky and cigar lounge, you'll find yourself transported to one of Guangzhou’s most authentic (and inconspicuous) speakeasies. To discover it, you’ll have to pinpoint a slightly rundown, unkempt building that doesn’t look like much at all, except for the uninterrupted, scenic views of the Canton Tower and Chigang Pagoda at its doorstep.
In the building’s lobby there’s a medley of oddly placed furniture under naked lightbulbs, and a black sign citing the lounge’s signature. Under it, a slothful guard sits behind a tatty white desk. He won’t bat an eyelid as you wait for the elevator. Look right as you emerge from the lift for yet another sign and a heavy, apartment-like metal door. Ring the black doorbell and wait for approval from the doorkeeper, who will peek out at you through the peephole.
Image via Guu's Cigar and Whisky Lounge
Oh, did we mention how to get a drink? You’ll have to get in first, of course, by calling ahead and making a reservation. Another surefire way is by being personally invited to be a member by one of Guu’s 10 shareholders, all of whom are whisky and cigar evangelists as well as topnotch bankers, financiers and/or property men. Membership is free and there are two tiers: black gets you 10 percent off regular menu prices, and gold gets you 20 percent off.
Now that you’re in (and if you’re a true connoisseur), your heart may just skip a beat as you go past the earmarked glass cases and over to the bar. Under the auspices of bartenders in starched white shirts, your preferred poison will have to be either aged, rare or elusive, as you won’t find Johnnies, Jims or Jacks around here.
Image via Guu's Cigar and Whisky Lounge
The menu is divided into regions: Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, Campbeltown and Islands, following pages with more pours from Japan and Taiwan. The premium likes of Macallan 12 sell at RMB88 per glass or RMB1,780 per bottle, Glenfiddich 30 at RMB500 per glass or RMB8,500 per bottle, or Laphroaig 10 cask strength at RMB320 per glass or RMB4,500 for a bottle. Price wise, it’s strategic, so as to attract the right (read: wellheeled) crowd.
Cocktails run upwards of RMB80, and there’s just a smattering of them to tempt. Order a Trinidad Sour (RMB120); the rich and alluring concoction of rye whisky and Angostura bitters is balanced with orgeat (almond syrup) and fresh citrus.
Image via Guu's Cigar and Whisky Lounge
Whisky and cigar pairings feature too: the Speyside package comes with four firstclass pours and a Punch at RMB888, or opt for a single tasting, such as Lagavulin 8 with a H.Upmann 46 at RMB320.
Private parties are prevalent here and booking out the entire space is possible if spending exceeds RMB20,000 (RMB30,000 on weekends), with fine dining meal sets catered by Wilber’s.
Image via Guu's Cigar and Whisky Lounge
Past the walk-in humidor stocked heavily with the likes of Partagas, Cohibas and Romeo y Julietas, there’s a balance between old and new. The interiors of Guu’s is undoubtedly inspired by the prohibition era; the leather armchairs are glossy and plush, the marbled tables glisten under dim light, mirrors and artistic collectibles hide in seductive corners around the jazz music stage – each detail adding to the lounge’s atmosphere.
Beyond the setting, however, is the new: floor to ceiling windows showcase the city in all its modern glory, enveloping a relatively young and snazzy crowd with dough to blow. Head to Guu’s if you want to sink deep into a subtle vibe that is yet to be fully discovered by the common masses.
Price: depends – the older it is, the more it costs
Who’s going: connoisseurs and moneybags, those seeking a private hideaway
Good for: distilled collectibles, fulfilling a Winston Churchill reverie
Nearest metro: Kecun (Exit B), 10 minutes
Open daily, 6pm-late; see listing for Guu’s Cigar and Whisky Lounge.
[Cover image via Guu's Cigar and Whisky Lounge]
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