A.P.E. (A Perfect Escape)

Hidden behind the façade of Esc Coffee in Tin Hau, A.P.E. (A Perfect Escape) is a whisky lover’s refuge in Hong Kong’s bustling urban fabric. By day, the space functions as a café; by evening, you step through a frosted glass door and descend into a low-lit, industrial-chic den devoted to Scotch. The bar is modest in size — cozy and intimate — but what it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in curation. Their whisky shelf features 30+ Scotch expressions, drawing from Speyside, Highland, Islay, and Lowland regions. It emphasizes independent bottlers (like Douglas Laing, Asta Morris, Elixir Distillers, Thompson Bros) alongside more classic distillery bottlings (Ardbeg, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Bruichladdich, Auchentoshan). You can sample them in tasting flights or as single drams (typically 30 ml) — prices vary by rarity and provenance. For those who prefer drinks over straight whisky, there’s a small classic whisky-cocktail menu (Old Fashioned, whisky sour, highball, Boulevardier, etc.). On the food side, A.P.E. offers bar-style bites: cold cuts, nachos, fish & chips, “kimchi carbonara,” even dessert options like whisky-infused trifle. One OpenRice reviewer mentions pairing a Smoky Boulevardier built on Islay whisky and a Classic Old Fashioned, and enjoying food items like Shakshuka with paratha or nachos from a sizzling skillet. Design-wise, the interior leans raw and industrial: exposed surfaces, metal, concrete, moody lighting. The bar feels casual, relaxed, and slightly rugged — a deliberate contrast to more polished cocktail lounges. The crowd tends to be whisky enthusiasts, local regulars, and those seeking a quiet escape from the city hum. In short: A.P.E. isn’t about flash or spectacle — it’s about focus. Focus on whisky, quality, conversation, and a sense of retreat. If you love Scotch and want to discover deeper, independent finds, this is your spot in Tin Hau.