Where to enjoy a good dram in Bangkok? Part 1/2

I’m taking you to the buzzing Thailandese capital city for a new episode of this “where to enjoy a good dram in …” series.

If you’re a faithful follower (and I hope you are 😉 ), you already had the occasion to see some sneak peeks of my whisky adventures in Bangkok, where I had the chance to visit 2 wonderful malted spots – each one offering high-end experiences but in very different styles. I therefore chose to write a dedicated article for each of them.

In this first part, we’re heading to the highest heigths of Bangkok (or at least at the 64th floor…), enjoying some dramtastic whisky cocktails at Distil Tower Club (Lebua).

Judging by its name, Distil, I knew what to expect… and I wasn’t disappointed. If this rooftop bar was made famous for hosting the last scene of Hangover 2, it has also become a mixology hot spot in Bangkok, boasting some seriously cool whiskies as well!

“Distil is Bangkok’s highest bar on 64^th floor of Tower Club at lebua is determined to raise the level of the city’s cocktail scene even higher. Among his innovations are Ice Cocktails like the Sinor, Devils Advocaat and Rose Fashioned: by freezing flavors in water at -1.9° C, the essence of the cocktail is captured, and the more the ice melts, the more flavorful it becomes.

Distil serves innovative cocktails, premium drinks and international food items. Every aspect of Distil reflects purity in its most elementary form. This modern setting, with a view over Bangkok and the River of Kings, allows guests to wine and dine in sheer luxury, as the perfect backdrop for business or leisure.”

As you may know, the distillation process implies selecting the best spirit from the still (leaving heads and tails behind), and this very selective process also applies to Distil, which doesn’t have an extensive whisky choice of 15487498 different names to chose from but only relies on quality over quantity (Ok, I must admit that when I saw Highland Park 18 on the list, I knew I was going to like this place…). Remember you’re in Thailand and not in Europe/USA and that Distil isn’t a “whisky geek” spot, so no, there may not be any Brora, Port Ellen or some truly exotic drams on the menu, but it’s the perfect occasion to rediscover great classics – with what I believe is one of the best views over the city as an added bonus!

Here’s a quick overview of my visit!

If you’re more of a scotchtail fan, Distil is definitely the place to go! The talented team has created an impressive range of signature cocktails (see pics behind for the cocktails we had that night). But first, let’s talk about my favourite one, the Hangovertini, first designed by the Distil team for the filming crew of Hangover part 2.

As explained on the official press release, “since part 2 of the Hangover Movie was taking place in Thailand, the objective was to create a drink which has the ability to pick you up after a night out in Bangkok.”

It used a good old basic formula:

Vitamins + Minerals + Antioxidants + bit of Alcohol = Pain releaser + Energy Donator

Honey is a source of carbohydrates, natural sugar, water, minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein.

Rosemary contains antioxidants and excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and copper. Even for its connection with memory has been noted for long time.

Green Apples contain Sodium, additional we add vitamin c by making juice out of it to maintain the green clear color.

The first step was to bring the rosemary into the Honey by infusing it with hot water.

Second of all, fresh Green Apple juice and Sweet Vermouth provide a light bitter sweet taste and goes very well with all of the components.

To make the flavors round added a bit of Chivas Regal 18 Years Old Scotch whisky.

All in all it is a great “Pick me up drink” after a night out but you should also drink some water in order to avoid dehydration.

The Cigar Terrace at Distil also serves an exquisite spread of hand-rolled Cubans that will impress the most discerning of connoisseurs, including Juan Lopez Seleccion No.4 cigar exclusively only at The Dome at lebua in Thailand and the legendary Cohiba, which for years was available only to Fidel Castro and his top lieutenants.

Signature cocktails

“Ice” series: Freezing flavors in water at -1.9° Celsius inspired Distil’s mixologist to create the following cocktails capturing the true essence of ice. The more the ice melts the flavorsome the cocktail becomes – My cup of tea, Tropical Bliss, Bouquet, Luscious Lychee, Ernest Hemingwa.
“Age” series: The very finest, exclusive one-of-a-kind creations featuring chic, sexy and deeply glamorous spirits matured in French oak barrels for 50 days – Infinity, Tiramisu 2015, Antidote, Pandora’s Box.
“Art” series: Showcases the art of mixing and takes you into a journey through skillfully crafted cocktails to arouse your senses – Earl’s Reviver, Heavens Edge, Sunrise, Vanilla Sky, Hangovertini, Mango Splash, Genie in a Bottle.