T15 Bar is located just a short 5-minute drive from JB’s City Square (along Jalan Kuning 2). Keep a lookout for a Chinese “medical hall” with a few benches and a wooden medicine cabinet. Hidden just behind, you’ll uncover T15 Bar, an oriental-themed speakeasy with interiors that resemble underground Shanghainese entertainment houses of the 70s.
The bar carries a wide range of whisky options spanning Scotch and Irish whisky to bourbon and many hard-to-come-by rarities. In addition, they also have a pretty extensive selection of wine, Japanese sake, gin and more. Their cocktail selection boasts classics as well as some house signatures which feature various Chinese ingredients—namely their Chrysanthemum Tea cocktail.
The bar also serves dim sum which make great pairings for your alcoholic drinks.
Uncovering T15 Bar’s ‘Secret’ Passage
There are no signs that will indicate that you’re at the right place, but don’t worry. Getting to T15 is not difficult. Simply look for what looks like a traditional herbal tea shop. As you move closer to the wooden cabinet on the bottom right, you’ll notice a sign prompting you to locate a button.
Go ahead and feel for the button located on the underside of the sign. Upon pressing it, a secret door on the right will slide open.
The bar exudes oriental chic with cool underground vibes. Rolling with its theme, the music you can expect are mostly popular Mandopop by JJ Lin, Jay Chou, and more. The bar also hosts live acoustic sets nightly. The acoustic duo that performed during the time that we were there did incredible renditions of popular Mandopop hits.
Sitting at the lounge will require minimum spending. So if you’re alone, just head straight to one of the bar seats. That’s where the action is anyway.
Chrysanthemum Tea
Served in a traditional Chinese teapot and teacup, the oriental-accented ‘Chrysanthemum Tea’ (RM60) is made with Chivas Regal, homemade chrysanthemum tea, chrysanthemum syrup and topped up with ginger ale. Pleasantly sweet with a distinct floral taste, the drinkability of the cocktail is impressive. The Scotch whisky provides a hint of vanilla and a somewhat buttery note that nicely complements the chrysanthemum’s herbaceous taste.
Refreshing and easy to drink, we highly recommend trying this—plus you get to enjoy the novelty of drinking a cocktail out of a teacup.
Negroni
As far as classic aperitifs go, the truest test of a bartender’s skill is with something as simple as a Negroni. Comprising equal parts gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and an orange twist for citrus and freshness, the classic cocktail might seem difficult to fumble but that’s far from true.
A mark of any skilled bartender is in his or her ability to build said cocktail over ice in an old fashioned ‘rocks’ glass, stirring the mixture in ice to achieve the right amount of dilution. The result should be a well-balanced cocktail that’s both aromatic and complex without being overly punchy.
Thankfully, we weren’t disappointed. Our Negroni (RM50) was crafted using Beefeater Gin, a particular favourite of ours when it comes to making a Negroni due to its citrusy and somewhat spicy profile. It was stirred well, allowing the ingredients to dilute and open up just enough to take the edge off the alcohol but maintain its fruity, herbal bouquet.
Address: 15, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5.30AM – 2AM (Daily)
Contact: +60 7-336 4918
Disclaimer: Uncover Asia made an anonymous visit and paid for their own meal.
Read our guide to Johor Bahru’s best bars.
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