About the Club
Born in Shanghai,
Shaped by Asia
The Shanghai Whiskey & Cigar Club was founded in 2023 by a group of friends who shared a passion for the finer things — not as status symbols, but as gateways to sensory exploration and meaningful conversation.
What began as informal gatherings in Shanghai's hidden bars has grown into a dedicated community of enthusiasts who approach whiskey and cigar tasting with the seriousness of connoisseurs and the curiosity of explorers.
Our home is Shanghai — a city where East meets West, where tradition and modernity coexist, and where the world's finest spirits and cigars are accessible to those who know where to look. But our journey extends across Asia and beyond, documenting the continent's rapidly evolving whiskey and cigar culture.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every glass poured and every cigar lit tells a story worth documenting.
Document
Every tasting is meticulously recorded — appearance, nose, palate, finish, and pairing notes — creating a living archive of sensory experiences.
Explore
From Shanghai to Tokyo, Taipei to Singapore, we seek out the finest expressions and most interesting stories across Asia's whiskey and cigar landscape.
Share
Knowledge grows when shared. Our journal and archive are open to enthusiasts worldwide, from seasoned connoisseurs to curious newcomers.
Connect
We bring together people who appreciate craftsmanship, patience, and the art of slow enjoyment — building a community around shared passion.
Our Journey
The Beginning
A small group of whiskey and cigar enthusiasts gather for the first time in Shanghai's Jing'an district. The Shanghai Whiskey & Cigar Club is born.
First Tasting Sessions
Monthly tastings begin, exploring Scotch, Japanese, and Taiwanese whiskies alongside premium Cuban and Nicaraguan cigars.
Asian Expansion
The club's tasting journey expands to Tokyo, Taipei, and Singapore, documenting Asia's vibrant whiskey and cigar culture.
The Archive Grows
Over 50 whiskies and 30 cigars reviewed, with detailed tasting notes, ratings, and pairing insights meticulously documented.
Going Public
The club launches its digital home — a tasting journal and sensory archive for enthusiasts worldwide to explore.
Our Approach to Tasting
We approach every tasting with respect for the craft and curiosity for the unexpected. Our structured tasting methodology covers appearance, nose, palate, finish, body, complexity, and balance — but we never lose sight of the most important question: does this bring joy?
"The best whiskey is the one you enjoy. The best cigar is the one that makes you pause and reflect. We're here to help you find both."