SHINJUKU WHISKEY SALON

Japanese whisky has been growing in popularity over the past few years, its elegance and perfectly blended aromas cementing its reputation as one of the very best in the world. It’s only natural, then, that when in Tokyo, you want to sample as many references as possible. To get the most out of the experience, look no further than Shinjuku Whisky Salon. Owned by well-known whisky expert Kazunori Shizuya, this Shinjuku bar is heaven for the whisky connoisseur, but it is also a welcoming space for the whisky beginners to get acquainted with the fascinating world of malt.

The spacious lounge is warm and cozy, with soft candlelight and mellow tunes playing in the background. Whether you’re looking to have a quiet after dinner drink alone, on a date or with a small group of friends, this place will make you feel right at home. The bar offers a wide range of whiskies from around the world, but the main draw here are the exceptional local bottles. Sourced from a myriad of distilleries all over Japan, both established and new, some are limited edition and nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

A tasting menu is a great place to start, allowing you to discover and sample a few labels under the guidance of the friendly and knowledgeable staff. After that, why not indulge in a delicious Japan inspired whisky cocktail? Whisky Salon calls them Whisktails, and they’re the bar’s specialty. In the words of Shizuya-san: “Since whisky is already perfect for serving on its own, it is not easy to make it even better by mixing it with other ingredients. It is challenging for the bartenders, so I always keep two points in my mind. First: never kill the taste of the whisky itself. Second: respect the whisky and the people behind the craft.”. All the Whisktails on the menu are conceived bearing these points in mind. First, Shizuya tastes the whisky and keeps the tasting notes in his notebook. Then, he chooses the mixers based on the commonality they share with the aroma or flavor of the whisky (e.g. citrus-based mixers if the whisky has a citrus note), or on the hints he collected from the whisky’s origin story. We love the LourSide Boulevardier, made with 12 year-old Aberlour, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Hassaku Rocks, orange bitters, and served with an orange peel garnish.

The bar also offers delicious bar snacks, but we recommend you save room for the whisky and chocolate pairing, which is another house specialty. Crafted by local Atelier Airgead, each chocolate has a distinctive flavor that comes alive when tasted alongside whisky. The shop has also custom created 7 official chocolates for the bar, each of them infused with a different whisky, resulting in a truly unique taste.

Summary Credit: Worlds Best Bars Website

Photo Credit: Worlds Best Bars Website

Address: 3-12-1, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0022 Tokyo

Hours: 5pm - 2am everday

Website: http://www.shinjukuwhiskysalon.tokyo/

How to get there: An 8 minute walk from Shinjuku Station, South East Exit on the JR Line