A Wee Dram of Heaven on Earth

I’ve finally found a place to post from, aside from the Powerplant Mall, that is assuredly the most civilized location in town. Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati, Kipling’s is listed as one of Whisky magazine’s “Great Bars of the World.”

Aside from an assortment of well over 200 single malt whiskies and 40 fine wines, it is a small piece of heaven for cigar smokers as well. With an impressive assortment of premium Cuban, Dominican and Honduran cigars and lovely assistants to perfectly light your cigar for you, it is a favorite retreat for many local businessmen and world travelers.

Kipling’s opened 10 years ago this coming November—I remember the day well—and it is the brainchild of a group of cigar and Scotch whisky aficionados who wanted a more refined location to enjoy themselves. The organization of the place was left to Ma’am Barbara—Mrs. Barbara Cumagan—a Scotswoman of extraordinary knowledge, skill and culture who trained the staff and set the standards of behavior for both the staff and the customers. The staff adheres to the standards as, generally, do the customers.

Imagine, if you will, sitting on a green leather couch in a room with dark hardwood floors, tastefully appointed decorations and quiet music to set the mood for both thinking, writing and business negotiations. Throw in an attentive staff that won’t allow you to light your own cigar and who respectfully remain just out of earshot unless invited closer and you’ve imagined Kipling’s.

It is from Kipling’s that I will do most of my posting during the coming weeks except, of course, for the couple of weeks that we will be in Australia.

More to come.