The week in pictures: Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Mezcal-focused Coa cocktail bar recently hosted a group of Mexcian mezcaleros to a group of trade and media professionals to introduce them to the agave-distilled liquor. At the tasting the producers presented a diverse range of Mezcal made with different ageing techniques, different alcoholic strength and types of smokiness using a selection of wood.

Carlos Mendex Blas, a third generation maestro mezcalero, presented his three different Mezcals, made with different varieties of Agave such as Cirial. Most of the Mezcal produced in Mexico is destined for the US market, with only a small portion landed in Asia.  

Champagne Salon’s latest 2007 vintage together with a newly disgorged 1997 vintage has been launched in Hong Kong by its local importer Altaya Wines. The premium Champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay from one hectare of grand cru, Mensil-sur-Oger, in a single year.

The newly opened Poppinjays restaurant inside The Murray, Hong Kong has launched a collection of cocktails called the ‘Aviary Collection’, created by head mixologist Manuel Saavedra-Ramirez. The collection is the restaurant’s signature drinks list, and presents a range of avian-inspired creations such as ‘The Blue Macaw’, ‘Above the Clouds’ and ‘Peacock Royale’. Above the Clouds, shown above, is created using Zacapa 23-year-old rum, caramelised sugar, grapefruit, applewood smoke and cassia infused Angostura. The cocktail costs HK$160.

Peacock Royal is another tantalizing creation from the Aviary Collection. Created using ‘R de Ruinart’ Champagne, Italicus di Bergamotto, lemon, orange blossom and osmanthus, this floral and refreshing cocktail costs HK$130.

Hong Kong’s newly opened Tai Kwun, the site of the former Central Police Station compound, has welcomed Madame Fu, a charming and spacious Cantonese restaurant that spans the entire third floor of Tai Kwun, encompassing a Whisky Room, Verandas, The Pearl, Artiists, Fu Bar, and the main dining room, Grand Café. The lush space with 1930s old Shanghai motifs serves an eclectic selection of Dim Sum and cocktails doled out from the Fu Bar.

Fu Bar inside the restaurant offers a range of cocktails including a section dedicated to Champagne-based drinks in addition to its signature Madame Fu cocktails concocted using Chinese Shaoxing wine and baijiu including such as Kung Fu and Generation X.