On April 19, 2023, we enjoyed cocktails at the outdoor bar of the Unwined Hotel and Bar in Sapporo. While they sometimes have a campfire where you can roast marshmallows, it wasn't available that day. We relaxed in the lodge-like atmosphere and tried the "Campfire Chocolatini" topped with toasted marshmallows, which had a smooth texture and a rich cocoa aroma perfect for the evening. The "Spring Water Coffee and Tequila" was made with tequila distilled from the famous Sapporo spring water, mixed with coffee and scented with bergamot. It had a sophisticated flavor, perfect for couples looking to have deep conversations. We had a great time on our first day in Sapporo. Tomorrow, it's time for Genghis Khan!

Unwined Hotel and Bar's rooftop bar has a New York vibe, very nice. Today, they are serving KWV CRUXLAND GIN, made with 100% grape spirits and distilled with 9 botanicals, creating a rich and soft gin with botanical notes.

After dining at CLUB 21, I decided to have one more drink at my hotel. Despite some setbacks, I ended up drinking alone. Walking back to the hotel in the snow and under strict COVID restrictions, I arrived at Hotel Unwind. The hotel had a cool and stylish vibe, similar to The Hoxton in Amsterdam, with a warm and woody atmosphere. It was located on the top floor, making it suitable for any occasion. When I arrived, it was empty, probably due to the current situation. The bar had a fireplace called Ignis, perfect for warming up after being out in the snow. I sat at the counter, where a woman in her 40s was working. I ordered a gin and tonic called 9148, which was light and easy to drink. Next, I had a Laphroaig 10-year-old Scotch, my go-to drink when I want to feel deeply intoxicated. As I chatted with the woman at the counter, she recommended a rare sake from Hokkaido, a distillery called Akkeshi that had recently started distilling bourbon. I opted for the Akkeshi 4 blend, which had a rich and unforgettable bitter depth to it. The Akkeshi 3 single malt had received high praise in the Whisky Bible, but it was priced at nearly 5,000 yen per glass, so I restrained myself. The Akkeshi 4, priced at 3,000 yen per glass, was a memorable experience with its profound and complex flavors.

I remember there were about 28 types of gin (I personally don't drink much so no rating). It's a bar in a business hotel, but it's stylish rather than heavy.

Sapporo rooftop bar is nice. It may be recommended for couples as well.

Compact and affordable yet stylish hotel, Unwind. The best thing about this hotel is the welcome wine they offer. You can drink as much as you want until you can't anymore. On the top floor (10th floor) of the hotel, there is a bar called "Ignis." The bar has a cozy atmosphere, making you feel like you're visiting a stylish friend's home. From 5 pm onwards, there is a two-hour free flow wine time at the bar. They offer about 3 types of red and white wines each, all produced in Hokkaido from places like Otaru and Yoichi. The selected Hokkaido wines are the house wines, but I found them a bit too sweet for my liking, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, this service is delightful. Guests and visitors can both enjoy this service. Since it's late April, Sapporo is getting warmer. The rooftop bar was open, featuring a real wood fire pit. It felt like urban glamping. As a solo traveler, I can't do things like camping, so this mini camping experience was great. The bar menu includes marshmallow roasting and bacon or sausage grilling using the fire pit. Be careful with the fire, as there was a fire incident here last year. Located in Susukino, the heart of Sapporo, you can see mountains beyond the buildings. Rooftop bars are rare in Japan, so this place is quite special. After the free flow until 7 pm, the bar opens to the public with a casual atmosphere for both food and drinks.

The first night's hotel in Sapporo is the "Unwined Hotel & Bar" located in the Susukino area. This trendy lodge-style hotel opened in December 2016 and seems to be popular among foreign travelers. The front desk is designed like a lodge, with bricks and firewood creating a warm atmosphere. On the 10th floor of this hotel is the "Bar Ignis". This bar is open to both guests and the general public. For guests, there is a complimentary wine service from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm called the evening wine service. I was with a wine-loving friend, so we couldn't pass up on this service. The staff at the counter had a selection of wines for guests, and there were two types of Hokkaido wine available. The "Tokachi Wine Cup White" was fruity and easy to drink. It was light and seemed versatile for pairing with different foods. The "Yoichi Wine Red" was a blend of Zweigeltrebe and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It had a robust grape flavor, but the tannins were smooth and easy to drink. It was kept at room temperature, but given the hot weather that day (over 30 degrees), I think it would be even more delicious slightly chilled. We were able to enjoy our wine on the rooftop, feeling the nice breeze. The interior of the bar was stylish, and having a rooftop was a nice touch. I really liked this hotel and would love to stay here again next time to enjoy the wine.