The Bar at 15 Stamford has got both style and substance. First off, rum as the star of the show isn’t a fluke choice nor a trend-chasing choice, it is a decision backed by history. According to historians, this very location was the supposed home of Joseph Balestier, first appointed US consul to Singapore in 1836, for whom Balestier Road was named after. He was rumoured to have been the first man in Singapore to attempt the magical process of turning sugarcane from his plantation to rum hence establishing a somewhat deep-rooted historical significance to the bar’s star spirit.
However, if we're being honest, these affiliations are not necessary. The draw of being able to drink from one of Singapore’s largest selections of a little over 200 bottles of rum in the comforts of a modern bar space is reason enough to visit. Storied history aside, the bar also carries other spirits that you can sip, or have them shaken into cocktails. If you are unsure of where to start, go for the signature Plantation 1840 ($24), made with sweet vermouth, pineapple juice, sugarcane juice syrup, lemon juice, mint, and of course, rum. The black forest dessert inspired Remember the Balastiers ($24) is also another hit amongst regulars.
Bar Manager, Edriane Lim is the brains behind the cocktail menu for the third consecutive year. This time, he steer towards an exploration of the tales of way-faring and trade that defined the Austronesian region. Under his expert guidance, work through the tropical expression of the Penjajap 1509 ($25) with expressions of Assam, pineapple, and coconut. Move on to the more potent Royllo Island ($25), a mix of Flor De Cana rum, Amontillado sherry and red wine syrup.
Rummaging through the bar stash? Peruse the comprehensive list that features some of the world’s rarest – Caroni 1997 Spirit Shop Selection ($140/dram) or dabble in some of the more exotic sipping rums such as the Samai Pepper Rum ($24/dram, $290/btl) from Cambodia, 2005 Foursquare ($45/dram) and the elegant Neisson le XO ($34/dram, $380/bottle). For curious cats, the curated rum flights (from $40) are fantastic stepping stones and are boosted by chocolate accompaniments.
Lesser known for its food menu, we're glad to have enjoyed a delicious series of bar snacks that consists of some distinctive offerings hailing from Chef Alvin Leung’s kitchen. This is definitely a bar you can visit on an empty stomach.