Grain Bar, Four Seasons Hotel – The Macallan Whisky Tasting and Epic Sensory Experience

Arrival and Design

Nestled downstairs within the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Grain Bar offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere on the edge of Circular Quay. The bar’s design seamlessly blends contemporary glamour with retro elegance, featuring rich wood accents, plush seating, and ambient lighting that creates a warm and intimate setting that isn’t too flashy. As the name suggests, whisky is the main game here, although all tastes are well catered for.  

Tasting Notes: The Macallan Double Cask Series

Seated in a cozy semicircular booth at the front, we were introduced to The Macallan Whisky Tasting Experience. Presented on an elegant cart, the tasting showcased Macallan’s Double Cask series: 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts. The Macallan, who celebrated their 200 year anniversary last year is based in Speyside and are renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. They age their whiskies in a combination of American and European oak casks, imparting distinctive flavours. The 12-year-old offered notes of creamy butterscotch and candied orange – a very classy entry point to the brand. The 15-year-old revealed dried fruit and toffee nuances; and the 18-year-old culminated in rich dried fruit, ginger, and toffee flavours. Adding a few drops of water with a glass eye dropper unlocked deeper complexities in each dram. Sarath, the knowledgeable and affable Head Bartender, guided us through the tasting, sharing insights into the whisky’s profile and production. For $100 per person, this is a single malt fan’s delight.

Epic Sensory Cocktails and Culinary Pairings: A Feast for the Senses

Following the whisky, we explored Grain Bar’s brand new Epic Sensory cocktails selection – launched just in time for Vivid festival and cosy Sydney winter nights. The “Shattered” cocktail featured a delicate ice shell that, when tapped with a mini mallet, revealed a concoction of rye whiskey, smoked rosemary and bitters, similar to an Old Fashioned and offering a satisfying auditory experience. There are only 8 of these limited edition cocktails available per night, so you will need to order early! The “Pina Fizz” delighted with a flirty cloud of coloured cotton candy perched on top of a mix of rum, pineapple and coconut, with a highball sized ice cube (rectangle, really!). Each cocktail is accompanied by a yummy mushroom bite.

To accompany our drinks, we sampled a selection of shareable dishes. The truffle pecorino fries were crisp and aromatic, along with the fried chicken was tender with a flavourful crust and plenty of truffle mayo. We followed this with the wagyu skewers offered succulent bites of premium beef with a delicate caramelised marinade, and the prosciutto plate combined savoury slices with long thin piparra peppers, figs, and sourdough baguette. These dishes paired exceptionally well with a glass of St Hallett “Butcher’s Cart” Shiraz from South Australia, a full-bodied wine with rich dark fruit notes and a smooth finish.

As World Whisky Day fast approaches on 17 May and winter soon descending upon Sydney, Grain Bar’s The Macallan Whisky Tasting Experience offers an engaging opportunity to explore the nuances of single malt whisky in a setting that balances elegance with approachability. With young women increasingly representing a significant segment of whisky enthusiasts, such experiences offer a great way to learn more about these classy, delicious and approachable single malts in a non-intimidating way (and much more affordable than a trip to the Highlands of Scotland!). Grain Bar’s commitment to quality, from its curated whisky selections to its inventive cocktails and delectable cuisine, ensures a memorable evening.

The Verdict