Badoraito o itadakimasu.

November 18, 2023 4:57 PM

"When the elevator dings open on the ninth floor of a high-rise in drab West Shinjuku, Tokyo, I don’t know quite what to expect. As the doors to the lift shut behind me, I find myself standing on a rickety outdoor staircase—solo—in the pitch black, fumbling for the handle to a heavy, lacquered wooden door. If this were a fairy tale, I think, I’d be in trouble." Modern Alchemy at Tokyo’s Most Radical Bar. Meet Hiroyasu Kayama bartender extraordinaire of Ben Fiddich in Tokyo. His 'Award-winning alchemical delights' are simply amazing. Take a look. (slyt)

small content warning: some alcohol and sex.

posted by clavdivs (7 comments total)

It's all about the packaging...
posted by Czjewel at 5:27 PM on November 18, 2023 [1 favorite]

A little surprised that I see Fever Tree tonic being poured into one of those, I can buy that down the street. Regardless, much respect for the craft here. Those drinks look fantastic.

Edit: wait, hold up. Ketel One? What?
posted by mhoye at 6:27 PM on November 18, 2023

The carbonation method has to be his albatross. But I love that he's growing his own botanicals. Farm-to-shaker.
posted by EvaDestruction at 6:32 PM on November 18, 2023

We went a few years ago when we in Japan. It was pretty amazing, the only bar that topped it was Bar Orchard. But the atmosphere and vibe of Ben Fiddich are amazing. We got there just as they opened so thankfully didn't have a wait, but it truly is magical.
posted by Carillon at 6:40 PM on November 18, 2023 [1 favorite]

If this maestro uses Fever Tree, it just reinforces the fact that I should be using it at home. I have made my own tonic syrup, and it was good, but not worth the trouble. Fever Tree tonic water is solid.
posted by mollweide at 8:28 PM on November 18, 2023 [1 favorite]

Oh my, changaa … one of the most memorable yet least-well-advised evenings of drinking involved a small quantity of changaa smuggled into the UK. I honestly felt like my teeth were melting
posted by scruss at 8:35 PM on November 18, 2023 [1 favorite]

Such an amazing bar; I've been three times. It's a treasure.
posted by Gadarene at 8:37 PM on November 18, 2023