Nip to the Nappali for top-quality whisky in cosy surroundings

A small sanctuary filled with retro furniture, Nappali also operates as a drinks outlet, with a selection to prove it. No-one rushes in for a round of shots then leaves, but is directed here, on dark stretch of Vasvári Pál utca off Király, by word of mouth.

Given the wide range of spirits on offer, it’s unusual that cocktails aren’t the focus. Instead, ageing, character and terroir are the bywords. Any particular whisky can be traced back to the producer, the farm, the type of barley, the exact time of sowing and harvesting, the type of yeast strain, the parameters of the barrels used, and so on. Even well-travelled aficionados are sure to find a label here they haven’t even heard of before.

Spiritual head in the realm of spirits, Márton Székely began his relationship with pubs and alcohol pretty early on: “When I was still at secondary school, the time when you try a bit of everything, most people were focused on how much they drank. By contrast, I was already more interested in what I drank, and that’s why I never got swept up by cheap mixed drinks, though I didn’t forget to party, either!” he says.

“Then pretty early on, 30 years ago, I worked at a bar where the drinks weren’t common in Hungary in the early ’90s, to put it mildly. By way of example, we had 30 types of whisky and 25 types of cognac when Ballantine’s and Napoleon were still the most recognised brands in the eyes of discerning consumers. Obviously, it was immediately exciting when I realised with how striking the differences can be even between similar types of spirits.”

While the range of spirits at Nappali might be overwhelming, the pricing policy is simplified by a series of coloured ribbons on the necks of the bottles to indicate category. Márton leads by professional example, underpinned by his lexical knowledge and his infectious enthusiasm.

Nappali is not only a must for fans of quality spirits, but also open enough to welcome those willing to learn more, and continue this journey in relaxed company.