PARTNER BARS
Japanese gems
Japan is a must-visit whisky destination, and the Society has a fantastic range of partner bars where you create an unforgettable whisky experience with some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable bar owners in the business. Unfiltered editor Richard Goslan met up with Shoichi Tamura from Bar Selene and Shuichi Nagatomo from Bar Oscar when they visited The Vaults to find out more about their bars and their passion for Society whisky
BAR SELENE
2F 3 chome-6-26, Minamimachi, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0021
Shoichi Tamura has been at the helm of Bar Selene in the town of Mito, about 70 miles from Tokyo, for more than 30 years. During that time he has been a huge supporter of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with around 120 bottles from the SMWS on offer at the bar.
“The joy of savouring SMWS whisky unites an exclusive coterie of enthusiasts, a special fraternity willing to invest in the privilege of tasting these treasures,” says Tamura. “It’s an honour to traverse the whisky landscape alongside like-minded aficionados, celebrating the finest of drams.”
Tamura holds regular Society tastings at Bar Selene to explore the latest releases, but also dives into his own Vaults Collection bottlings to share some of our oldest and rarest whiskies with his customers.
“The Vaults Collection is testament to the pinnacle of excellence and showcases the finest and rarest expressions of the moment,” he says. “Every sip embodies the zenith of craftsmanship. My mission is to share this remarkable experience with fellow whisky enthusiasts. While purchasing an entire Vaults Collection bottle might be extravagant for an individual, as a bar owner I’ve crafted a more accessible way to savour its majesty and provide the ultimate whisky encounter by curating my own Vaults Collection tasting sets from my private collection.”
ABOVE: Shoichi Tamura at Society partner bar Bar Selene
“For me, this embodies the essence of being a Society partner bar – it’s the mission to share extraordinary whisky.”
Tamura had to recover from the disastrous impact of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, when the original Bar Selene was swept away. Since then he has relocated and recreated the bar’s intimate atmosphere.
We also owe Tamura a thank you for helping to introduce the SMWS to the delights of Japanese whisky, after he visited The Vaults in 2002 along with a bottle of 15-year-old Yoichi whisky.
“Japanese whiskies were yet to claim the esteem they enjoy today, and the Yoichi 15 was a novelty at that time for The Vaults staff,” he says. “It marked their first encounter with this Japanese gem. I implored them to relish its essence, leaving the bottle as a testament to the unfolding Japanese whisky tale.”
The Society bottled its first Japanese whisky the same year, and as Tamura says: “A wise whisky lover understands that greatness transcends geographical borders. The charm of SMWS whisky beckons, and my heart knows no nationality when it comes to embracing exceptional flavours.”
ABOVE: Shoichi Tamura with a selection of Society bottlings at Bar Selene
BAR OSCAR
6F 1 chome-10-29, Chuo-ku, Daimyo, Fukuoka, 810,0041
Travel south to the island of Kyushu and you are in for a treat at two bars run by Shuichi Nagatomo – our SMWS partner bar Bar Oscar, and his sister bar Palme D’Or.
His dedication to the world of spirits and whisky goes back to an apprenticeship at the famous Bar L’Osier in Tokyo’s Ginza district, under the mentorship of the legendary “Super Bartender” Kazuo Uyeda. Nagatomo then returned to his hometown of Fukuoka and in 1996 established his own iconic venture, the celebrated Bar Oscar.
“My passion for the spirits industry ignited during my high school days, when I worked part-time at a bar. Exploring various types of alcohol, I found the people in the industry to be incredibly welcoming. After graduation, I knew I wanted a career in this vibrant world. Since then, I’ve embraced the industry wholeheartedly, never looking back!
“Stepping into The Vaults for the first time was an awe-inspiring moment. The experience shattered my preconceptions, revealing a warm and passionate community united by their love for whisky.”
Bar Oscar takes its name from the revered jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson. The bar’s opulent interior is accentuated by a counter crafted from a single piece of African Bubinga wood, while large windows offer breathtaking views of the nighttime cityscape, creating an unforgettable setting.
ABOVE: Shuichi Nagatomo at Bar Oscar in Fukuoka
Bar Oscar and Bar Palme d’Or jointly display an impressive collection of 250 Society bottles, and Nagatomo works to integrate Society whisky into his cocktail creations, elevating the flavours and crafting an art form in itself.
“When crafting cocktails for our valued customers, I proudly incorporate Society malt whisky to enhance the flavours,” he says. “Whether it’s a blended Scotch Highball or a classic Rob Roy, Society whisky adds that special touch. I’m also determined to showcase the Society’s unique bottles prominently on our bar counter, sharing the delights of this remarkable community with all who visit.
“Bar Oscar is more than a whisky destination, it’s a sanctuary for whisky enthusiasts, offering an exploration of mixology and a diverse selection of spirits. The aim is to foster camaraderie among patrons and celebrate the tapestry of whisky’s essence.
“My time at The Vaults has ignited a passion within me to embrace and celebrate the true essence of the Society, and I can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with our patrons in Japan at Bar Oscar and Bar Palme d’Or.”