drinking at the malt

took a colleague to the malt in jakarta and there was a table reserved for me. not that it mattered as there were only a few tables occupied for the opening night.
one would think it would be packed but the chill of the global financial meltdown must have spooked many in the indonesian capital.
hence we were made very welcome.
there was not that much by way of choice except for the special on highland park 16 years old or the glenmorangie quinta ruban. we went for the highland park and some snacks.
the single malt came neat with ice cubes on the side, sticks of bittersweet chocolate and a carafe of japanese green tea. yes, the insidious mixture seemed standard at the malt but i would have none of that. asked for water if any was required.
that came promptly.
the highland park 16 years old was a deeper gold as the 40 percent alcohol by volume single malt is sherry casked. its nose had faint notes of smoke and vanilla together with some nuttiness.
took a sip of the dram together with the bitter chocolate - an excellent combination when trying out any single malt. the highland park 16 years old tasted of fruits with some spice and smoke.
the finish was pleasant without any drama. had to have more of the chocolate to keep this orkney whisky a pleasant dram.
by the way it was the gold medal winner - best in class at the international wine & spirit competition in 2006.
there wasn't that much of choice for other single malts as most were sold by the bottle.
will have to round up a crowd to get some of their bottles most of which i have had previously elsewhere. prices are higher than other cities but not as bad as other places in jakarta.
still, its next to the office and that is a plus point.
and this blog has just reached a milestone of sorts.
this is the 100th post.
have i drunk so much? or so little?
cheers!

malt follows me

been going past this place outside my office in jakarta and was wondering why it had a sign that simply said malt.
it became clear last night. the lights was on, there was a single girl inside and so, i dropped by.
turns out that malt is a bar and resto, thats restaurant in indonesian parlance. and guess what, they serve single malts. posters of lagavulin, oban and other familiar brands draped the walls around a cosy island bar filled with fine chairs and candle lights.
but no drinks were available last night. and i did not bring along my camera.
but there is a special open night tonight. single malt - either highland park 16 years old or a glenmorangie quinta ruban - together with a partagas cigar for rp375,000++.
pricey.
but i'll be there. at malt. no 2, jalan haji agus salim, jakarta.
tongue ready. camera ready.
and a whole lotta other things to update about.
cheers.