Finally got to visit Atas Speakeasy (@atasspeakeasy) in Ipoh, for the first time since they moved a few years back. A few things stood out for me at first: 1. No walk-in: You have to call in to get in. I’m so in for this. 2. The space seems smaller than the last place, but still has that very cozy loungey vibe. 3. The bar area is much more guest friendly than I remember from the old space. Drinks-wise, bartender Alvin’s concoctions are worth checking out. I love shitake mushrooms, sonI had to try the Kugo Ginjo, made with shitake infused vodka and sake. The sake and shitake combo is a killer one: savoury yet floral, light yet packing a decent punch. The pomelo comes in later, mid-palate, giving a nice light citrus note to the savouriness, finished and balanced by a hint of the shiso bitters. Atas was kind enough to send me a care package containing the Pinnochio's Conscience cocktail during the MCO, so I decided to revisit it. Sage and cricket sounds like a wicked combination but it works in some weird fairytale way, the herbal notes of the sage going nicely with the rum and amaro, the bitters adding a punchy bitterness at the end. Comes with three dried crickets on a sage leaf as a garnish and “snack”. Harimau Fizz was probably my favourite of the night, made with jalapeno Infused Tequila Reposado, Agave Nectar, Menglembu Palm Wine (or toddy), Housemade Cacao Bitters, Aquafaba, and soda water. I tried the toddy by itself and it was lovely and clean, without as much of the pungent aroma you get from many toddies. The cocktail itself was an addictive concoction of chilli spice and agave, with the cacao bitters and toddy giving it a bittersweetnees that melds perfectly with the tequila and chilli. If you happen to be in Ipoh, Atas is a good place to check out for drinks. Plus it’s near the famous chicken rice places in the heart of town, so you can eat chicken and drink cocktails afterwards! 😁 #tipsyturvybarreview #barreview #ipoh #ipohbar #cocktailbar #mytipsyturvy (at Atasspeakeasy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiZiFKZpYMH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
