Second visit to Rum & Whisky. There were three of us - a regular, someone who came from outside Kyoto, and myself. We enjoyed different types of rum while listening to the owner's recommendations in a quiet atmosphere. We started with a strong aroma of British barrel-aged rum, then transitioned to French rum, followed by my favorite, Clément. We also tried a delicious JM rum aged in Calvados barrels. We originally planned to leave after a quick drink, but ended up adding one more recommended drink. We had four drinks in total for 8,000 yen. Last time during the heavy snow at the beginning of the year, we drank too much and had the place to ourselves, so this time we kept it light.

I received a lesson at Alcool in Shibuya and heard stories at Common One Bar in Kyoto, a hidden and quiet bar for rum lovers by a rum lover. Thanks to Omicron and the snow, I had the whole place to myself the entire time. I enjoyed sipping on rare vintage rums, one after another, while confirming my preferences. It was a pleasant time in a hidden spot in Kyoto where I could once again confirm that rum is truly deep and never gets boring.

Introduced by a skilled chef of Japanese cuisine and a connoisseur of old vintage bottles, I visited the restaurant alone at night. Upon entering the room in a mixed-use building, I was greeted by rows of bottles, giving the place a museum-like feel. The view outside was also beautiful and offered a sense of openness. The owner, who runs the place alone, created a cozy atmosphere. He was a dapper and quiet gentleman, but he answered my questions very politely. I tried a few old vintage bottles: DEPAZ (around 20 years old), Clement 1970, and a 23-year-old rum (made using a solera system similar to Cognac). The Spanish-style rum had a sugary taste and was aged in sherry barrels. I also had a Havana Club from the 1970s-80s. Lastly, I was served a bottle of rum (12 years old) that I had been curious about. It had botanical aromas and a taste that I didn't dislike. While none of them were exactly to my taste, they were all carefully crafted and delicious. The service was also wonderful. I definitely want to visit again!

I also visited a nice bar recommended for smoking cigars. The owner mentioned that the area around the shop is similar to Ikebukuro, with many rowdy young people, but once you enter this shop, it's a calm and mature space. On the right side of the counter, there is rum, and on the left side, whiskey is available. The private bottling alcohol, which the owner often purchases directly from the distillery, features cute sloth designs full of the designer's personality. They have a wide selection of old bottles, and the owner, a true professional, chooses the right alcohol based on your feedback from the first drink. I was able to enjoy a delicious drink that suited my taste and smoke a cigar in a relaxed atmosphere.

A few minutes' walk from Sanjo Station and Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto. I stopped by here today. The shop is located on the 4th floor, so I took the elevator up. Upon opening the door, which resembled a slab of chocolate, I entered a dim yet calm space. There didn't seem to be a menu, so I browsed the bottles on display. I decided to try the Enmore 27-year-old rum neat (later found out it's a high-end bottle that retails for 20,000 yen). Let's give it a taste! First, the aroma is very mature and fragrant. When I took a sip, I could taste the well-aged richness and the unique sweetness and depth of rum. It had a different kind of goodness compared to long-aged whiskey. Next, I felt like having something sweet, so I went for the Captain Morgan Private Stock. It has flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and dried fruits, making it perfect for dessert. I had a great time chatting leisurely. So, thank you for the meal! The master has an incredible knowledge of rum, and the service and atmosphere were excellent. If you feel like drinking rum in Kyoto, this is the place to go.

A friend took me to a rum specialty store. The counter is filled with rum bottles, and they will help you choose based on your taste preferences. I haven't had much rum before, but I have a feeling I'm going to get hooked.

"Ram Lover is a must-visit."

I visited this bar as the fourth stop on my bar-hopping tour in Gion, Kyoto. I usually don't drink rum, but a friend who loves rum recommended this place. The rum coffee liqueur was great, and I enjoyed the view of the night scenery through the window. The bar had a wide selection of rum, and the atmosphere was chic and inviting. The bartender was friendly, and I left feeling refreshed. I would love to visit again. Thank you.

I visited a bar recommended by bartenders from another prefecture, which had a unique story and original bottling rum. It was a bit hard to find, located on the 4th floor of a building, but once inside, I was greeted with a view of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama, and a wide selection of rare rums and whiskies. The master was very knowledgeable and had a great voice. He taught me about rum in a delicious and non-condescending way, which was very educational. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or already a rum lover, this bar is a great place to enjoy. The location overlooking the Kamogawa River, listening to jazz, is perfect for relaxing alone or inviting friends. The quality and quantity of drinks were great value for money. I definitely want to visit this bar again. Notes: They have a refreshing rum highball, a tasting flight of three different rums (British whiskey-style, French Cognac-style, Spanish Gold rum-style), a Jamaican rum with a similar profile to their original, and a twist on the original in the form of a Boston Cooler. Each drink was educational and delicious. I will definitely revisit.

I visited here as I had been wanting to go if I ever visited Kyoto. Since it was right after opening, there were no other customers. Located on the 4th floor of a mixed-use building on Kiyamachi Street, the plain sign on the door opened to reveal a high counter that can seat about 8 people, with warm-colored lamps hanging from the ceiling. Through the windows, you can see the night view of Higashiyama across the Kamogawa River. The smell of the river mixed with the unique scent of the dining district fills the air inside. There is a selection of whiskies and rums lined up at the back bar, but my focus this time was on rum. I tried about 5 different rums in half portions, including standard British ones, rums from Kyoto with different ages, and higher proof ones. Each rum was explained in terms of its origin and characteristics. The Kyoto-made rums were still young in age and had room for improvement in terms of color and taste. The higher proof rums had a more distinct rum flavor and were delicious. Since the owner runs the place alone, I recommend going alone.

I was introduced to Bar Barnes in Nagoya by the master of my favorite whiskey bar, and now that I'm in Kyoto, I was recommended to visit this place. This is my fourth time in Kyoto, but my first time in this area. I was surprised to find a lively entertainment district in Kyoto. When I opened the half-open door, I saw a young, slim master surrounded by bottles of whiskey and rum lining the walls and counters. I tried some rum, learning about its influence from the colonial era, and compared different tastes through a tasting experience. I realized that there are many refined and high-quality rums available in Japan, which I had not seen before. The bar had an impressive selection, with a variety of Spanish and French rums that we enjoyed. They also had a good selection of Scotch whiskey. We had a great time with a rum tasting of three varieties and two glasses of rum, along with one glass of Scotch. It was a bit short, but Kyoto has early last trains, so it couldn't be helped.

After filling up my stomach, I was wondering where to go next, and I was taken to this place. I didn't know there was such a wonderful shop in Kiyamachi with such a nice atmosphere - the lamps are really nice. Not suitable for photography, though. After a highball, I felt like having a Black Russian that I used to drink in my student days, so I asked for one made with the recommended rum. I also got to see some rare bottles and had a fun night chatting with the staff. It would be interesting to have a highball tasting with various whiskeys. This place is definitely on my list to visit again.

When you climb the elevator from the bustling yet energetic neighborhood of Kiyamachi, you arrive at a quiet space with a soft lamp glowing in the darkness, welcoming guests. The back bar is filled with overflowing bottles of rum and whiskey, some even placed on the tables, creating an environment where you can truly engage with alcohol. The staff provides detailed advice when choosing a drink, which has helped me understand more about how to enjoy it. I always look forward to the delicious fruit cocktails, especially the seasonal fruit daiquiris. I sense a deep respect for alcohol, people, the city of Kyoto, and its culture from the owner. I will continue to visit during my trips to Kyoto.

This is my favorite bar in Kyoto. The interior has about 8 counter seats, with a table for two at the back. The back window offers a view of the Kamo River, so it might be nice to sit at the table and gaze outside. The lighting is dim, with mellow jazz playing softly in the background. It's a very calming space. As the name suggests, they specialize in rum and whiskey (mainly Scotch). They have a collection of carefully selected rums, some of which were brought back from the source. ①-② The reason I love this bar is because they have a wide selection of Agricole white rums. I've tried them all, they're delicious and unique, making it easy to keep drinking. For reference, industrial rums like Bacardi and Havana Club are made from the residue left after extracting sugar from sugarcane juice, while Agricole rums are made directly from the juice itself, giving them a distinct aroma and flavor. Since trying them here in Tokyo, I've become a big fan. ③ There are two JM bottles lined up, one standard and one brought back from Martinique before dilution. It's nearly 80 proof, but surprisingly smooth and delicious. A must-try drink when you visit. ④-⑦ They also have a wide variety of gold and dark rums. The back bar is filled with bottles, about half rum and half Scotch. ⑧ I was given a miniature bottle of rum I hadn't tried before. It's available as a souvenir. ⑨ The Lele bar spoon is used by locals to mix rum with sugar cane and lime. ⑩-⑪ I tried molasses, a byproduct of industrial rum production. It has a caramel-like taste. It's interesting to taste it alongside rum. ⑫-⑬ They also have a variety of liqueurs for those who don't drink rum or Scotch. The Marienhof liqueur from Germany is colorless and flavorless, with a great taste. They also offer other flavors like violet, rose, and butterscotch. ⑭-⑮ On another day, I tried Scotch. ⑯-⑱ I also tried a Bowmore 1968 35-year-old Celtic Heartland Tropical Fruits, which had a fruity and deep flavor. The master shares interesting stories about different drinks, creating a unique atmosphere that draws you in. It's one of the highlights of visiting this bar in Kyoto, and I've even traveled to Kyoto just to visit this bar. I wonder when I can visit again.

When I revisited in August 2010, it was around midnight on a weekend when the hot air of the day had finally been swept away by the wind. Upon opening the small wooden door with the name of the restaurant written on it, I found the same simple space with white walls and wood as last year, along with the master, Sada Moto. The lighting inside the restaurant was bright, creating a calm and quiet space for adults, contrasting with the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood. While they may not cover a wide range of malt brands, the selection of old bottles curated by the master is very attractive. The balance of great drinks, service, and atmosphere that I seek in a bar is very good here. There are other wonderful bars in Kyoto, but I always end up visiting this one. (The following is from my first visit in November 2009) ========================================================================= Castle gate, El Tesoro, and then somehow crossing the Kamo River from Gion to Kawaramachi after drinking malt, I found myself walking down the street at Sanjo? Despite thinking "I should probably stop now..." in my head, I was strongly encouraged by the master at El Tesoro, so I thought I should at least see where the restaurant was located. Even though it was well past midnight, the area was quite lively with mostly young men. Upon opening the door of the mixed-use building, I entered a somewhat otherworldly space. As I walked further into the restaurant, I saw a counter and a back bar extending straight back. The front of the back bar was lined with full-length glass windows overlooking the Kamo River (with table seating in front). Behind the counter was a young master with a handsome face, even from a man's perspective. At first, I had concerns about not having high expectations for the drinks due to the simple interior and the handsome master, but those concerns were completely unfounded. The selection of rum and whiskey at this restaurant, as the name suggests, was impressive. While I personally do not drink rum, I will only mention malt, which was filled with long-aged bottles that made me want to reach out to the back bar. And the prices were quite reasonable. Unlike other similar establishments, the menu was well-stocked, and it seemed like there was a particularly good value for long-aged bottles. I heard that the master had been diligently collecting these bottles over time and was offering them at a low cost, with prices set at around \4,000 for a shot at most. While enjoying a few half shots, I had a pleasant conversation about malt and other topics with the master, who spoke calmly and modestly despite his appearance. The quiet atmosphere in the restaurant was also very pleasant. While the atmosphere and state of the restaurant were different from El Tesoro as mentioned earlier, there was a commonality in the high standards set by the master, which once again surprised me at the high level of bars in Kyoto. For those who enjoy rum and whiskey, this restaurant is definitely recommended. I would love to visit again.

The bar specializes in rum and whiskey (malt), as the name suggests. The interior is simple yet exudes a calming atmosphere. The focus is on the selection of drinks and customer service, standing out among bars that may excel in one aspect but lack in others. The staff, while not overly talkative, impress with their knowledge of alcohol and attentive service. The bar boasts an impressive selection of rum, with rare varieties available for sampling in smaller quantities. The owner's passion for sharing quality drinks is evident. When it comes to malt, the selection is carefully curated with rare finds. Some patrons prefer rum, while others favor malt. The bar's location in Kiyamachi may be inconvenient for some, but adds to its charm as a hidden gem. The small size of the bar means that groups of three or more may be turned away.

The bar is still great as always. It's a bit dark with stylish lights on the counter. The seats are spacious and comfortable, perfect for enjoying a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu with English translations is nice. The bartender is knowledgeable about drinks and seems to really love them. The place is calm and I always feel at ease here. I feel like I get an explanation every time I come, but it's interesting to learn about the different production methods and tastes from British, French, and Spanish territories. I personally prefer the French one for its great aroma. The scent from an opened glass is irresistible. The sweet taste of the Spanish one was also intriguing.

This is a hidden gem of a bar that I absolutely trust as a rum lover! The array of bottles lined up on the counter is impressive, but when you tell the master your rum preferences, even more rum is brought out from the back! "Captain Morgan, Private Stock" is delicious! The atmosphere is truly that of an "adult hideaway bar," where you can quietly enjoy your favorite drink while chatting with the master. The view of the Kamogawa River outside the window adds to the chic ambiance! I'm not a fan of whisky, but it seems they have a wide variety for whisky lovers to enjoy. Although it may be a bit pricey, it is worth it!

I visited this place a couple of times during the winter two years ago. It is located on the 4th floor of a mixed-use building facing Kiyamachi Street. The building has a simple sign on the 1st floor. You can reach the 4th floor using the elevator inside the building. As soon as you get off the elevator, there is a door. The interior of the restaurant is very simple, but that's what creates a great atmosphere. There are only a few seats, with 5-6 seats at the counter and table seats by the window where you can see the Kamo River. Under calm lighting, the counter is lined with rare rum bottles collected by the owner. I was taken there by a senior colleague, and it was my first time realizing how delicious rum can be. I fell in love with rum by savoring the precious rum straight, enjoying the aroma, tasting it, and then relishing the scent as it wafts out through the nose. Honestly, I only drank rum when I was taken there, so I don't know about other drinks, but I remember someone else enjoying a mojito, which also looked very delicious. I haven't been able to go there recently, but I really want to visit again. I believe their regular holiday is on Tuesdays, and they are open until late at night, making it easy to visit even after a drinking party. I look forward to going there again! Thank you for the wonderful experience!