The Spirits Library
Manila • Philippines
Overview
The Spirits Library is a premier 1930s-style speakeasy located behind a discreet, signless wooden door on Guerrero Street in the vibrant Poblacion district of Makati, Manila. Conceived by beverage expert Lee Watson and launched in late 2019, the bar functions as a literal and archival "drinking library." The striking two-story space features warm wood paneling, elegant chandeliers, a spiral staircase, and rolling ladders to access towering, floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets. These shelves house one of Asia's most comprehensive collections of rare vintage liquors, out-of-print historical bar guides, and antique glassware—treating cocktail-making as an academic study rather than just a hobby.
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