One Luxurious Crib Speakeasy That Lives up to It's Golden Promise

Let me paint a picture for you. Tucked in among over a dozen eateries at The Crib, on the right of the Mediterranean tapas restaurant Sorì, sits Golden Promise, a high-end Japanese whiskey joint with dim lighting, a shiny black marble bar, comfortable leather sofas, soft jazz playing in the background, all behind a secret hidden door. So far, so speakeasy. While it's a comparatively new addition to The Crib, fans will know Golden Promise from its long residence at the hotel next door and will be happy to see it relocated to these swanky, albeit minimalist, new digs.
 

The menu maintains that vibe, given that there isn't one. Instead, row upon row of single malts and whiskeys personally brought back from around the world by the owner line the shelves, including many a rare label. The prices then are of course a lot higher than what you'll be paying elsewhere for lesser brands and editions. 
 

That places them at around RMB 200-300 a glass for familiar names such as Ardbeg, Aultmore, Bowmore, Dalmore, Kavalan, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Longrow, and an extensive and exceptional selection of Japanese malts. The bartenders here are understandably proud of the rarity of some of the bottles on offer.

Likewise, cocktails cost around RMB 150, and for that price, the bartenders are more than abiding to mix them specifically to your tastes. Our tailormade sipper was dry, citrusy, and smokey, thanks to a base whiskey from Islay.

The service at Golden Promise is impeccable, whether you choose to sit at the bar to talk about malts with the bartender or chat cozily on the sofas with friends. Sure, some of the offerings here could be found much cheaper at other nearby cocktail bars (Hoper, Inception, and even the premixed helpings at Canvas' 24|7 by Secoo takeover on the same floor), but the atmosphere and service make Golden Promise a prime spot for an occasional indulgence.

Golden Promise
Daily 7pm-2am. 2/F, The Crib, 1 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (187 0111 3837)
工体北路1号育膳房2楼右侧

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang