008 Bar: Bangkok Review 2019

History has it that back in the 1920s, the prohibition of manufacturing and selling alcoholic beverages was enforced. However, the prohibition doesn’t result in no one is having it; instead, with very limited selections of brandy, gin, rum, or whiskey, creative recipes emerged.

By Fah & Pam LuxurySocietyAsia.com

With over 120 different liquors, the mixology at 008 Bar is absolutely unique, and the artificers here craft the liquid with high level of finesse. Signature cocktails are named after events and people during the World War II, which means, yes, each glass narrates its own story. Prohibition ones, impressively, are done in accordance with the traditional ratios, just like how it was done decades ago.

Hidden behind a mysterious door is a secret chamber with a myriad of Prohibition-era cocktails, signature wartime-inspired beverages, and esteemed liquors to be explored.

The Drinks
Signature 1920s (THB 360) is a mix of Whitley Neill Dry Gin, Campari, and clarified orange infused vermouth, that somewhat reminds us of classic Negroni, but with more sophistication. The glass marvelously reveals its layers of flavours with distinctive orange-ish scent. Complexity of the named-after decade’s social movements is what it represents.

Summer Cup (THB 390) is the one with Rhubarb Gin, mulberry jam, lemon, and grapefruit bitters. Its alluring aroma comes first, followed by rounded and smooth sweetness. It is an easy one to savour, and to enamour of.

Dry at Sea (THB 390) contains Whitley Neill Dry Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Port wine and saltwater (its name makes perfect sense!) The drink is somewhat masculine and strong, resembling a glass of martini, but with perceptible uniqueness of Port.

Adapted from a lost recipe of the Prohibition era, Pyroblast (THB 420) becomes the bar’s signature as it is not on offered anywhere else. Thanks to pineapple rum, clarified pineapple, and coconut, the glass feels tropically delightful, and the rare Pyroblast syrup, blasting out the aromas of cinnamon and other spices, adds magnetism to the mixture.

Green Chartreuse is considered scarce and sacred due to its secretive ingredients, and is believed to have curative properties. The liqueur is put into The Captain (THB 380) together with Whitley Neill Dry Gin, honeybee pollen, and lemonade. It smells herbal in a fascinating way.

Another aromatic glass is Rattan (THB 360), comprising Cimarron Tequila, caraway, agave, and Absinthe. The mixture is a big surprise as it disperses citrusy smell without sour taste, and it is amazingly refreshing.

The traditional prohibition cocktail Death in the Afternoon (THB 460) is merely a simple collision between Prosecco and Absinthe with fantastic aftermath – ambrosially bracing.

Guests’ Choice
Our guests this time come as a couple, Khun Boun and Khun Be, have fun conversing with one another about the marvelous drinks they try. Unable to pick just one, Khun Be found Pyroblast invigorating in a tropical manner, yet also get impressed by luscious The Captain, while Khun Boun sticks to loving 1920s for its being sophisticatedly robust in flavours.

Getting There
Located on the 11th floor of Akyra Thonglor Hotel, drop off at Thong Lo BTS station and take a cab or a bike to the hotel, which is situated behind Eight Thonglor. Parking lot is available.