INTERVIEW WITH THE EDGE MAGAZINE
The ExciseMan does not enforce a dress code, but as a courtesy to our staff and other customers, your efforts to be attired in at least smart casual would be most appreciated. Thank You for your co-operation.
The ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar
ABOUT
Unique for a specialist bar, The ExciseMan is equally proficient in their range and expertise in wines & whiskies.
For those looking for a nice bar in the CBD, centrally located near multiple MRT stations, The ExciseMan is among the best bars for business folk who enjoy a wide range of quality beverages in intimate privacy.
Unique for a specialist bar, The ExciseMan is equally proficient in their range and expertise in wines, whiskies & brandies and attract like-minded folks, keen to discover and experience lesser-known beverages from all corners of the world. The bar is especially appealing to the adventurous on a journey to experience the unfamiliar by exploring the many rare and artisanal drinks that the staff are glad to introduce alongside trinkets of background information. These include aged and unaged Rum, Grappa, Amaro, Sambuca, Limoncello, Tequila, Arrack and other internationally produced liqueurs. Being very well versed in their beverages, their recommendations are based on the customers palate and not necessarily on the usual big brand names, age statements, awards, rarity or price.
For wine buffs, it’s best to ask for The ExciseMan’s extensive range of wines covering all the major varietals, styles and wine regions. Their list of fortified (eg. Port, Sherry, Madeira), dessert and unique wines is also very impressive.
The ExciseMan does not claim to be a cocktail bar as their focus is on wines, spirits and liqueurs. However, their near to twenty odd cocktails that The ExciseMan concoct have been given high acclaim due their use of premium ingredients. Ask for their White & Classic Negronis, Smoky Old Fashioned and G&T as they are the most popular cocktails.
They have a classic bar food menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options prepared in their own kitchen. For group events and private dining functions, curated menus that cover a range of cuisines are available, but it is best to pre-order special food items in advance.
The atmosphere of the ExciseMan is themed in old-world charm - lots of wood and leather. It is adorned with antiques and collectables from a by-gone era creating an ambience of warmth, coziness and luxury. Also, what makes the ExciseMan stand out over other pubs and bars is the clientele that they have been able to attract. The charming and characterful atmosphere has set the stage for many new acquaintances and with its intimate and romantic ambience sparked the passion for several marriage proposals. A nice and amiable bar where first time visitors are welcomed no differently from regular clients. Conceivably, the personality and candid nature of the management and staff are contagious, perhaps that’s why many newcomers who visit The ExciseMan say that it’s Singapore’s Best Kept Secret.
The ExciseMan is designed for those who prefer a quiet and comfortable setting with classic tunes from the 50's, 60's & 70's played at a convivial volume that allows conversation. Because of its plush decoŕ and ambience, the bar has been selected for several film sets as well as commercial photoshoots. In essence, it's a perfect place to catch up with friends or meet for business.
Incidentally, our parent company is Le Vigne Wines & Spirts – importer, distributor and retailer since 2002 – that establishes our ethos of dedication to straightforward quality, not to brands or awards.
Behind the ExciseMan…
Patricia BRITTON entered the wine & spirits industry in 1995 with the Jardine Group (part of Bacardi-Martini), marketing the wine portfolio which included top houses Bollinger & Veuve Clicquot, Petaluma, Brown Brothers, Taylors Port & Mouton Rothschild. She then joined another wine & spirit giant, Pernod Ricard taking care of top names like Jacob’s Creek, Wyndham Estate, Champagne Pommery & Chateau D’issan.
Holding a General Certificate in Distilling from The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (UK), Lewis Mitchell conducts press and trade events on behalf of brands that have included Ardbeg, Glenmorangie, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet & Hennessy. Having served as a judge at the World Spirits competition, Lewis has also contributed articles on whiskies and other alcoholic beverages for several publications.
Both Patricia & Lewis are on a quest to learn and discover international beverages especially those that are lesser known - from exploring the vineyards of Yamanashi in Japan to visiting Rhum distilleries in Martinique. Their latest educational tour took them to historical Cognac, then to picturesque Gascony where they studied the full production process of both Cognac and Armagnacs and then plying the length & breadth of Bordeaux to visit the top houses.
Both Patricia & Lewis were inducted into the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in 2017.
PRIVATE ROOMS
Host your very best clients in elegant private rooms furnished with luxurious leather sofas, antique dining table and old-world memorabilia.
The smaller room takes up to 6 pax comfortably and is equipped with a work desk as it is often used by clients for sealing agreements and signing of contracts. This room is also a favourite when absolute privacy is required as in the case of confidential executive interviews.
The larger of the two rooms offers an exclusive private dining experience: divided into a lounge area where you can invite guests for pre and post dinner drinks, and a separate dining area furnished in a setting of homely comfort and luxury. With the curated menu, each dish is carefully paired with the most suitable beverage. After the dessert which is matched with an appropriate liqueur, guests then adjourn to the lounge area for their nightcap, perhaps a 40 year old rare whisky or a 100 year old Cognac.
This room can also be converted for up to 18 pax for a cocktail venue, or for a business presentation with AV and PA equipment. It is also an excellent intimate setting for cozy engagement or wedding party for the closest of friends.
BUSINESS ROOM
For small intimate business meetings which require utmost privacy, our smaller Business Room equipped with a working desk and TV screen is available for groups of 5 to 6 pax.
EVENTS - The ExciseMan Suite
The ExciseMan Suite is a private room which can be converted for events with up to 18 pax in a cocktail setting. AV aids such as a TV and a PA system are also available.
EVENTS - The Main Bar
For larger gatherings or presentations of approximately 50 pax, the bar area fitted with 2 large format TV screens and a separate PA system are available.
EXCLUSIVE BOOKING OF THE WHOLE PREMISES
The whole premises inclusive of the Main Bar, the Salon, Business Room and The ExciseMan Suite is available exclusively and can accommodate 70 to 80 pax.
REVIEWS & EVENTS
Review: Rock Island Year of the Dragon
Natural Cask Strength 54.8% ABV
Not chill filtered, Not Coloured
A special marriage of Single Malts from Orkney, Arran, Jura & Islay. Finished in heavily charred “crocodile” casks to embellish the already complex marriage of malts with layers upon layers of rich vanillin oak flavours.
Nose: Ashy bonfire embers, grilled pineapple & soft peat smoke with sweet candy & honey. Whiffs of leather and tobacco.
Palate: Waves of sea-salt & complexed layers of caramelised palm sugar, ripe rock melons, red & dark berries, bubble-gum & BBQ’d ripe bananas.
Finish: Sweet toffee, berry fruits lingering with vanillin oak. Clean yet long and sustained pleasant aftertaste.
Available by the dram and bottle at
The ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar
NO CURRENT EVENTS
A Journey with
Whiskies
Tips for enjoying whisky:
Start off with a wee sip of the whisky neat and judge if you require a splash of water to help ‘open up’ the whisky. Remember, whiskies are bottled at various strengths for different reasons, not necessarily the optimal drinking strength.
When applying water, there is a ‘sweet spot’ for every bottling which is up to the individual. It may well be that the ‘sweet spot’ is not adding any water at all; the choice is yours.
Take your time with the whisky. We would like you to enjoy each whisky to its fullest and follow how it develops in the glass over time.
CONTACT US
The ExciseMan
Wine & Whisky Bar
8 Raffles Avenue, The Esplanade Mall #02-27
Singapore 039802
Tel:+65 64620053 (11am-5pm)
Tel: +65 69631192 (after 4pm)
Open: 4pm to 11pm
Mondays to Saturdays
Closed: Sundays
Email: le.vigne@singaporewines.com
