Old-world charm at Tipple and Dram – complete with rare single malts and cigar

Whiskey connoisseurs are in for a treat.

The newly-opened Tipple and Dram is a plush two-level bar situated in Singapore’s trendy Ann Siang Road. In a neighbourhood teeming with bars and restaurants, what sets Tipple and Dram apart is its extensive range of single malt whiskies.

Tipple is the street level bar quaint wine bar, with a loyal customer base that has co-created the wine repertoire with the previous owner over the last 15 years.

On the other hand, the basement bar Dram is a speak easy luxurious bar playing Jazz music for the hardcore whisky aficionados. With its leather and wood décor, subdued lighting, soft jazz music and top of the line bar ware, it conjures up an understated and elegant world.

Tipple bar's wine menu was a co-creation of the space and its loyal customers over a period of 15 years. Photo courtesy: Tipple & Dram

Both spaces carry an old-world charm away from the hectic city life, inviting patrons to relax and unwind after a busy day.

“Dram is the only bar in Singapore and perhaps, in the world, that has painstakingly sourced over 100 unique bottlings, which are distillery exclusives or hand-fills, or warehouse specials sold or available for tastings only at distilleries,” said cofounder Anand Pande, who works in the financial services. A whisky connoisseur himself, he fondly refers to the collection rare limited-edition malts as ‘The Water of Life’.

The cozy Dram bar at the basement. Photo courtesy: Tipple & Dram

“Whiskey lovers can taste all of these right here in Singapore, instead of travelling to the numerous far flung distilleries located all across Scotland.”

New whiskies will be introduced every month and tasting flights will be on the menu. “Some of the bottles, being unique, will naturally be phased out upon completion. There will be a treasured selection of gins, bourbons, vodkas and rums which will be continuously updated,” said Pande.

Bringing back the old-world charm. Photo courtesy: Tipple & Dram

Another unique experience to look out for is the pairing of Bak Kwa (barbequed pork) and malts – the savoury yet thick sweetness of the bite went surprisingly well with peaty whiskies. The more conservative ones can of course opt for cheese, oysters, carcuterie and chocolates.

Photo courtesy: Tipple & Dram

There are three people behind the bar, and they come from diverse backgrounds. In addition to Pande whose career experience was in global banking, the other cofounder Pinaki Rath was a serial entrepreneur in commodities, F&B and manufacturing. They are joined by Dr Manish Taneja, a renowned interventional neuroradiologist.

The Water of Life collection features rare single malts. Photo courtesy: Tipple & Dram

It was their shared passion in fine wines and whisky that brought them on this path. Being on the other side of the table for the last many years by frequenting infinite bars around the globe, the founders thought what it takes to get the oomph back into the Singapore bar scene. Not being from the industry, it helped to think out-of-the-box to make sure that the concept is ripe and right. The three owners’ background is as a neurosurgeon, banker and a serial entrepreneur respectively.

The bars are headed by the affable and experienced Chris Beltrando, a well-known name in the industry, who has worked in Canada, France and Thailand before moving to Singapore.