百川 茂左衛門
A renowned authentic bar that relocated from Ginza to Gion. The owner and bartender, Mr. Uchida, is considered a genius. He is full of humor and has a rich knowledge and passion for alcohol, which leads to engaging conversations. The bartenders themselves also frequent the bar in their free time. The bar gets quite crowded during peak hours, so it's recommended to sit at the counter right after opening or during late hours to have a leisurely chat with Mr. Uchida. The bar has a good audio system, so visiting during quieter hours is ideal. The speaker system is JBL4344, and the record collection is impressive. The expansive back bar with two rows offers a wide selection, particularly of single malt Scotch whiskies ranging from 25 to 40 years old. The cocktails are also excellent, with Moscow Mule, Manhattan, Martini, and Gimlet being highly recommended. There are four types of Moscow Mule, each with a unique concept, but starting with No.1 or No.2 is suggested for first-timers. The cocktails all share a dedication to high-quality base spirits, setting this bar apart with its rich flavors. For instance, they use a green bottle of Gordon's instead of the common yellow one. They blend regular Tanqueray with Tanqueray No.10 for certain cocktails and blend Rye with Canadian whiskey for making Manhattan, allowing the flavors to evolve over time. They are very particular about what cocktails to make and what bases to use, not serving White Lady, Mojito, or stocking Beefeater. Mr. Uchida's shaking technique is unique, ensuring air is incorporated. While there are table seats, as the bar is run by one person, it's best to visit in groups of 1 to 4. Although a membership sign has been recently put up, walk-ins are still welcome. Despite the formal appearance, the bar is not overly serious, as you can find Lupin III and Steve McQueen memorabilia around, reflecting Mr. Uchida's personality – approachable and humorous, making it an easy-going place to visit.