Hanakaruta Bar: A Hidden Gem of a great Whiskey/Sake Bar

This off-the beaten track hidden whiskey/sake Japanese bar is awesome. It may be a little hard to find, but if you go down Sukhumvit Soi 39, make a right at the first traffic light. The bar will be on your right, opposite the Bangchak gas station, and next to a Japanese pizza delivery joint.

Upon entry to Hanakaruta, you are greeted by an impressive wall of endless bottles, ranging from dizzying sakes, whiskeys, liqours, almost every alcohol imaginable. It is like a huge library of alcohol for you to stare and admire, while you enjoy your drink at the counter bar. 
The place is small but comfortably cozy. There are 2 floors above, a few small booth tables on the second floor, and private rooms on the 3rd Floor.

This place has great staff service, led by the Japanese owner/manager, Mizutani-san. There are endless choices of drinks, from imported Sapporo beer, to plum wines, to very fine single malt Scotch and japanese whiskeys. The food here is quite good, a bit on the high side but definitely  better tasting than casual japanese restaurants. Enjoy your evening here with a quiet drink, and if you drink whiskey, they have a cool iceball carved for your glass.  This place is quiet in the early evening, but gets packed in the late hours after 9 - 10 pm.... quite popular through subtle word of mouth. It closes super late (into the wee hours of the morning..!) and smokers will rejoice as it amazinly allows this inside - adding to the more truly authentic Japanese bar experience. Highly recommended.

Whisgars Ploenchit: The Perfect Whiskey/Cigar Lounge Formula

With an impressive design and atmosphere, Whisgars Ploenchit offers just the right formula to truly enjoy fine whiskey, nice leather seats, great jazz (a great playlist or live in the later hours), and a nice cigar if that pleases you.

Photo - Courtesy of Whisgars Ploenchit.

 The setup is just the right size with just the right mix of design elements you'd expect from a "true" whiskey / cigar lounge without being too over pretentious. Service is absolutely spot on, with Tan and Ment, the 2 bartenders, the waitresses, the Owner/Manager, Richard. From the care and way they pour proper amounts, to the serving of ice and "proper' Scottish spring water with diluting droppers, to the discerning tasting glasses, etc... I could go on and on and rave about the positives. The place is quiet in the early evening, and tends to receive more patrons around 9pm onwards. Their acoustic-duo from 9:00pm onwards is smooth-sounding with the female singer offering quite a Norah Jones-esque voice.

Sofa facing entrance and acoustic band corner.

A nice quiet location on the second floor of Mahatun Plaza (BTS Ploenchit), right above the La Monita mex food and El Osito sandwich shop downstairs. (Food can be ordered from downstairs) The perfect place to unwind for a nightcap after work before going home. I have to admit the overall pricing is quite higher than some other places that sell single malts, however the level of service and unmatched ambiance makes it understandable. No cuban cigars here but a fine selection of dominican, other non-cuban choices available.

 I believe you can park/store your bottles of single malts here by purchasing a yearly handsome looking locker (They tell me they are expanding their locker cabinets as is currently full) - or you can park 1 or 2 with them, and spend their corkage fee upon opening your bottle in this lovely establishment.

At the bar counter.

From the menu.

On another note, the owner is trying out Monday Movie nights, whereby you can enjoy a featured film, while smoking your cigar and sipping fine whiskey. Flims usually begin at 8pm onwards, though initial turnout has been a little quiet.

I am all for recommending this fine place.

The setting of movie night.