Signature Reserve's Whisky Omakase & 500+ Glasses: A Must‑See Bar Review

Sip, Not Just Store: Singapore’s New Whisky Oasis

Whisky has always been called the liquid gold, but lately it’s becoming more about ownership than drinking. Investors are filling their vaults with ultra‑rare single malts, auction keys are smashing record prices, and the trend’s turned whisky into a dazzling status symbol. The kicker? If you’re not rolling in cash, you’ll simply end up with a pricey label on your shelf.

Enter Signature Reserve

Singapore’s latest whisky bar, Signature Reserve, has sprinted out of the Fullerton Hotel’s first floor, hand‑crafted by the maestros behind Quaich Bar with a dash of Benjamin Tan from Whisky Butler. Think of it as a fourth chapter in the whisky bar saga—only this time the story is about making liquid gold accessible to everyone.

Why “Sip, Then Invest” Makes Sense

A sprawling 4,000‑sq‑ft space that practically screams “coffee shop meets speakeasy.”
Floor‑to‑ceiling shelves that hold more bottles than a normal day’s worth of drinks.
A lounge for the casual, a cocktail bar for the adventurous, and a cozy tasting nook for the whisky nerds.

When the shelves are stacked, the most exclusive rare and limited‑edition bottles aren’t stuck behind a velvet curtain. They’re served by the glass, letting your taste buds do the first investment before you decide if you want to buy the full bottle later.

First‑Floor Fanfare

Spot the bright‑red postbox and the plush bear that used to be the poster child for the former Post Bar—now the keepers of the whisky kingdom. They’re bold, quirky, and make arriving at Signature Reserve feel like stepping into a hall of whisky dreams.

So next time you’re in Singapore, it’s less “cork‑screwing for a profit” and more “cork‑screwing for a sip.” Roll over, roll over—this whisky bar lets the liquid gold flow first, before it’s time for your wallet to join the party.

Welcome to the Whisky Wonderland

Step into a place where the spirit of Scotch is on full display—more than a thousand bottles, each telling its own story. The wooden shelves boast everything from age‑old bottlings to tiny, artisanal batches, and even a few boutique distilleries that make your palate dance.

Dipping into the Bottle

Glasses on tap – over 500 whiskies to try in a glass, no need to commit to a full bottle.
Start as low as $11 for 20 ml, and go up to $18 for a 45 ml splash.

Limited Editions That Vanish Like Smoke

Picture this: a 2018 Springbank Local Barley 9‑Year‑Old. Just 9,700 bottles, and they evaporated faster than a storm over the sea.

It’s a sweet honeyed, peach‑kissed single malt. Under the surface? A whisper of oyster brine from the Campbeltown coast.
Price point: $18 for 20 ml or $36 for a 45 ml on‑the‑spot dram.

Flights, Favors, and Fun

Like most whisky bars, there’s an experience you can buy: a tasting flight that starts at $53. The flippant, yet flavorful lineup has you rotating through a spectrum of flavors in one go.

The Whisky Omakase Experience

For those who crave a guided tour of whisky, this five‑course menu comes at $138-plus. Each course — a whisky cocktail, a set of four 20 ml whiskies, and dishes crafted in-house in Asian-inspired style — is a whisper of what “food meets spirit” can do.

Our Own Taste Test

Before the second phase launched—when we were pre‑“Heightened Alert”—our welcome drink had us say “wow.” The White Chrysanthemum Whisky Sour was a local, floral gem shaken up with Glencadam single malt, coupled with a reduction of local brew. A bright, fragrant start to a day of discovery.

A Match Made in Flavor Heaven

Picture yourself biting into a tiny cube of cold tofu, the mouthwatering aroma of bonito syrup swirling around it, topped with a delicate heap of herbed tomato compote. The grand finale? A crown of Lumpfish Caviar that brings together sweet, sour, and salty notes in a spectacular dance of flavors.

Lumpfish Caviar: Sweet, Sour, and Salty Harmony

Each nibble is a miniature wonder: a soft tofu base, waters dyed by rich bonito, and a sprinkling of tomato compote that cuts through the richness with a hint of herbaceous brightness. The pièce de résistance is the fluffy Lumpfish Caviar, the salty treasure that seals the trio together.

The Whisky Companion – Glencadam 13 Year Old Whisky Journey Exclusive 2007

Price: $300 on The Whisky Store
Special Edition: 368 bottles in total – a single‑cask release for Singapore’s very first Whisky Journey
Flavor Profile: Fruity and lemongrass‑bright notes that mingle beautifully with briny caviar

How to enjoy this duo: hold the bite of the tofu-caviar combo in your mouth, let the flavors mingle and then sip the Glencadam whisky. It’s a method that amplifies the drinks’ dry, briny undertones while complementing the citrusy brightness of the caviar.

Final Thoughts

When the cold tofu meets the umami-rich caviar and the smooth, fruit‑laden whisky, you’re in for a taste experience that feels like a mini‑celebration in your mouth. Don’t miss the chance to savor this carefully curated pairing – it’s a one‑time experience with a bottle count that screams exclusivity.

Chopsticks & Whisky Adventures

Teriyaki Chicken & Lime Skewer

Imagine a bright lime‑glazed teriyaki chicken and leek skewer sizzling on the grill.
Pair it with the Deanston 18 Year Old (priced at $271) – a whisky finished in first‑fill Kentucky bourbon casks.
Its peachy sweetness and creamy caramel notes team up with the tangy teriyaki, creating a flavor duet that feels like a summer buzz on your palate.

Spicy Xinjiang-Style Lamb Skewer

Next up, a flame‑kissed, pepper‑spiced litter of Xinjiang lamb.
It’s paired with the Ledaig 18 Year Old (priced at $309), a small‑batch single malt that brings a smoky punch.
This whisky is wrapped in peated character, smelling of black pepper, dried fruit, and subtle sea‑salt hints that dance in harmony with the lamb’s fiery profile.

Indulgent Finale? Dive Into the Tiramisu‑Infused Single Malt

Ever wanted a whisky that feels like stealing dessert from a kitchen? The Single Malt Tiramisu does just that – all sweet, dark, and totally irresistible.

It’s a bold, smoky single malt whose stages are shaken up in bourbon and sherry casks. Picture a beach of coffee notes, a haze of delicate peat, and a whisper of pepper that makes each sip feel like an encore dinner of your favorite dessert.

Feeling intrigued? Grab a bottle (or two, or three) at Signature Reserve – they’re ready to turn your whisky evening into a full-on dessert affair.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Singapore 049178
Phone: +65 8181 0838
Hours: Mon‑Sat 4 pm–11 pm; Closed Sunday

ORDER ONLINE (SINGAPORE PHASE 3)

During Phase 3 (Heightened Alert), you can still get your whisky fix via Signature Reserve’s online sister concept, The Whisky Store. They offer bottled sets and tastings that you can grab from the comfort of your apartment.

THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Originally published by City Nomads in the Bars and Clubsalcoholfood Review section featuring Food and Drinks.

Signature Reserve\’s Whisky Omakase & 500+ Glasses: A Must‑See Bar Review