SMWS DISCOVERY

A night out in Mexico City

The passion for outstanding whisky is truly global, and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is helping to spread the love with our bottles available in an ever-growing selection of fantastic partner bars. Our first location in Latin America is Salón Rosario, a must-stop destination in Mexico City where the whisky culture is on the rise. Join J. Torrivilla for a local’s whisky-fuelled night out in a captivating and ever-evolving destination

PICTURED: Salón Rosario

ABOVE: the Colonia Roma neighbourhood is home to numerous hip bars, restaurants and cafes in Mexico City

Mexico City is a living being, a creature fuelled by cultural vibrancy and an endless thirst for intense experiences. Be it food, art, music or literature, there is a place for every scene in this town.

In the last few years, a nuanced facet of the city’s nightlife has been quietly garnering attention among whisky enthusiasts; a growing interest in specialty spirits that invites a curious audience to uncover hidden gems beyond the more widely available agave distillates.

Mexico City’s nocturnal landscape is famous for its underground raves, massive cumbia dance street parties, artsy bars and loud traditional cantinas.

I’ve witnessed the slow but steady evolution of its whisky culture from the humble corners of wedding parties and offices after-hours to increasingly sophisticated lounges.

It’s a journey that introduces enthusiasts to a more complex variety of flavours and subtleties, where the eagerness and passion of bar owners and managers is leading the movement.

These bars are quietly carving out their niches in the city, challenging preconceived notions of what a whisky night out can be. From a young hip spot to the refined ambience of a high-end bar catering to the city’s tourists and executives – here I’ll introduce a hand-picked selection with appeal across different moods and crowds; a taster of the intriguing, burgeoning whisky scene in Mexico City – a city that, much like its spirits, is captivating and constantly evolving.

PICTURED: Hardey Martínez León and Katri Walker

YOUR SMWS HOME-FROM-HOME

Entering Salón Rosario, a new staple in Mexico City’s Colonia Roma, is like stepping into a realm where whisky becomes an art form. As I walked through the doors, I was greeted by the warm ambience of a bar that bears the distinction of being The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s first partner bar in Latin America.

The proprietors, a couple with a shared passion for spirits, Hardey Martínez León from Colombia and Katri Walker from Scotland, have crafted a haven for whisky enthusiasts. One December night I attended a whisky tasting, expertly led by the charming Hardey.

ABOVE: a snapshot of the extensive Salón Rosario gantry

The selection presented to us was nothing short of extraordinary. A careful curation of SMWS single cask and single malt cask strength whiskies unfolded a journey of flavours, ranging from the sweetness of fruity notes to the depth and complexity of spicy and murky undertones. Hardey, with his affable demeanor and deep knowledge, guided us through the nuances of each dram, turning the evening into an engaging exploration of the whisky spectrum. The tasting was joined by a diverse group of participants – locals and foreigners alike, all brought together by a shared curiosity for whisky. An evening at Salón Rosario, guided by Hardey, is not just an exploration of whisky, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, cultural fusion and the joy that comes from sharing exceptional spirits in good company.

PICTURED: El Diente de Oro

PERFECT PRE-GAME

El Diente de Oro stands as an easy-going spot in the elegant and touristy neighbourhood of Colonia Condesa. Behind the bar is Guillermo, a true aficionado with a knowledge of whisky that spans the spectrum from approachable single malts to less obvious expressions and expensive treasures.

Guillermo is a great guide, adept at recommending whiskies that cater to both the amateur explorer and the seasoned connoisseur and is more than willing to engage in spirited discussions about the nuances of each pour.

The night I visited I witnessed his apt recommendations to several customers and tried a satisfying Caol Ila for myself. This unassuming yet lively bar offers an eclectic blend of rock classics, pop hits and the occasional jazz bop, creating a pleasant pre-game atmosphere, or a drink after walking through the art-deco architecture of La Condesa.

PICTURED: Cigar Point

ONE FOR (CIGAR) SMOKEHEADS

Located on the top floor of the bustling Mercado Roma, Cigar Point offers a getaway for those seeking to pair a high-quality cigar with a worthy whisky. This spot caters to a diverse mature clientele, drawing in business folk looking to seal the deal as well as solitary, contemplative individuals; both frequently but cheerfully interrupted by the beats of the neighbouring bar.

Cigar Point offers an ample selection of cigars with a focus on those of Cuban and Nicaraguan origin. To complement the cigars, they boast a respectable menu of single malts; in the realm of whisky aficionados it may not be deemed exceptional but it’s a good place to start.

For those in search of somewhere to indulge in a cigar and a whisky, Cigar Point offers comfortable leather seating amidst the lively chaos of the market.

PICTURED: King Cole Bar

A BAR WITH A VIEW

Nestled within the St Regis Hotel, King Cole Bar pays homage to the iconic New York establishment. This refined bar unveils breathtaking panoramic views of Mexico City’s Reforma Avenue, from Chapultepec Castle down to the iconic Diana Cazadora monument and the Independence Angel. The interior of King Cole Bar is ample and sophisticated, complete with a grand piano for the occasional live act.

Knowledgeable bartenders are at the ready to guide patrons through an extensive selection of whiskies and mixology, ensuring both enthusiasts and novices find the perfect pour and complimentary backstories.

I tried a fantastic whisky-based cocktail with amaretto bitters. A valuable tip: be sure to ask the bartender to use a blend of your choice for your cocktail.

The focus on detail extends to the bar’s signature offering – an array of specialty Bloody Marys, a nod to the iconic original recipe created at the St Regis in New York.

Upon request, King Cole Bar also offers a cosy discreet terrace – a secret garden for smokers. This hidden enclave allows guests to indulge in their favourite cigars in an intimate setting, providing a haven for those who appreciate the marriage of fine whiskies and tobacco.

ABOVE: Salón Rosario gantry

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Within the dynamic nightlife of Mexico City, the whisky scene is quietly making its mark. From the sophisticated expertise in Salón Rosario, offering a curated selection of single cask and single malt whiskies under the guidance of Hardey and Katri, to El Diente de Oro’s easy-going atmosphere, where Guillermo’s whisky knowledge spans from approachable single malts to hidden treasures, each bar contributes a unique charm.

These establishments collectively enrich the evolving narrative of Mexico City’s whisky culture, inviting enthusiasts to explore a growing and exciting facet of the city.