District: Chaoyang | Type: Cocktail Bar | Cuisine/Style: Design led lounge | Address: Sanlitun area, Chaoyang
Design driven room with a cathedral like ceiling and a smart cocktail list. Great for small groups and late night conversations; arrive early on weekends.
The original Golden Promise is a heritage variety of spring-sown, two-row barley that was developed in the United Kingdom during the 1960s. It quickly rose to prominence, particularly in Scotland, becoming the dominant barley variety used by both brewers and distillers throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Its initial popularity was due to its superior agronomic characteristics, such as its short, stiff stalk which made it easier to harvest. Crucially for the distilling industry, it was prized for its high yield of spirit, representing one of the first major “step changes” in production efficiency for Scotch whisky. For decades, it was a staple for many of the world’s most famous distilleries, including a period where one major distillery held exclusive rights to its use.
Though modern, higher-yielding barley varieties eventually supplanted Golden Promise for large-scale commercial use, it has maintained a revered status in niche markets due to its unique flavor profile. The malt derived from this barley is known for producing a mellow wort with a distinct sweet, clean, and slightly honey-like richness and fullness of flavor. This characteristic makes it a beloved base malt for authentic Scottish and English ales, as well as being specifically sought out by a growing number of craft brewers who believe it imparts a superior mouthfeel and complexity to their beers, even in heavily hopped styles like IPAs.
In essence, the choice of the name Golden Promise for the Beijing speakeasy is a brilliant nod to this history. It instantly signifies that the establishment is dedicated to the world’s finest spirits, especially whisky, and places an emphasis on quality, heritage, and the subtle, deep flavors that come from superior ingredients. It’s an assurance to the patron that they are stepping into a haven built on the “golden promise” of quality spirits.
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