Bar review: The Woods Annex – spirit tasting by appointment only in a stylish SoHo hideaway
You book a 90-minute sampling session via a website that asks your drinking experience, and it pays to know what you like as your knowledgeable host pours examples of vodka, gin, agave rum and brandy to appraise and compare
The vibe: The latest venture from Victoria Chow of The Woods bar on Hollywood Road, Central, The Woods Annex is an intimate space behind another Chow venture, canned cocktail shop Kwoon, next to the intersection of Staunton and Aberdeen Streets.
Described as a “spirits library and tasting room”, its walls are filled with a treasure trove of rare bottles, which glow like jewels on their stylishly lit wooden shelves. Each bottle has its own library card, so you can add your name as endorsement of the ones you liked best.
Booking is by appointment only via a website form which asks for information about your experience of drinking, which spirits you’re especially interested in, etc. A curated drinking session lasts one hour and 30 minutes and drinks are charged by tasting shot, with a minimum spend of HK$300 per person; masterclasses for groups are also available. Our host Rupert, one of The Woods bartenders, was friendly and knowledgeable.
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The drinks: The host goes through a range of spirits based on your tastes and interests, introducing each one – many have unique background stories – and suggesting side-by-side comparisons.