Lift your spirits at these liquor-licious Bangkok bars

Although Thailand consumes less alcohol per capita than Western nations, the country is one of the world’s biggest drunks when it comes to whiskey. Whether at RCA’s flash super-pubs or at a roadside table upcountry, the party accessories will be the same: a bucket (of ice), a bottle (of whiskey) and soda.

Unfortunately, the dominance of whiskey and two local beers -- Singha and Chang -- have, over the decades, come at the expense of the rest of the spirit world. That is, until now.

There has been a noticeable expansion of offerings around Bangkok, a trend that is set to continue with the implementation of the Asean-Australian-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in 2010, which should open up the beverage market even further. 

A few establishments are already leading the charge and judging by their popularity, more is better when it comes to alcohol.

At last count, HOBS had 37 varieties of imported Belgian brews.

Belgian beer at HOBS

Here’s a Bangkok bar with staying power. After a quiet start, the addition of patio seating led to a boom in business, and now the House of Beers (HOBS) is drawing a smartly dressed crowd willing to pay extra for something special -- namely one of the 37 varieties of imported Belgian brews on offer, the country’s largest selection.

As is tradition in Belgium, each beer comes with its own special glass, uniquely designed to maximize its flavors. HOBS founder Chris Foo is a distributor of Belgian beer, and opened HOBS specifically to showcase the various brews and build demand for them in the market.

This strategy is working. There are now 60 outlets in the city selling Belgian beers. And at HOBS, the trailblazer, Foo keeps the competition at bay. There’s no Singha, no Chang and no Heineken even available. His competitors would no doubt do the same.

HOBS founder Foo recommends the Palm Speciale at 240 baht or the Rodenbach as 260 baht. 

522/3 Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55), Soi 16, BTS: Thong Lor. Tel: +66 (0)2 392 3153

Sake Lay stocks four brands of top quality sake.

Sake Lay on RCA

If it wasn't for its name, you wouldn’t guess Sake Lay specialized in sake. There are no Japanese businessmen gathered at the bar and no Japanese motifs as part of the interior design. Instead, Sake Lay looks pretty much like any chilled out Thai bar.

But inside, the owner spreads her passion for sake by stocking four excellent brands.

“Nobody specializes in sake in Thailand,” explains the owner, Chanya 'Cherie' Srifuengfung. “We picked the best from the Japanese restaurants we like to eat at.”

Aimed at local Thais, Sake Lay serves only cold sake accompanied with a jar of ice. The bar, which has been open three months, specializes in four types of sake. I tried and loved both the Shirataki Jozen Mizunogotoshi and the Otokoyama Kimoto Junmai Hokkaido. The former had a nice flowery aroma while the latter was very smooth. Both would be a great way to start a night at RCA. 

RCA, Rama 9 Road, near Tops Supermarket

At Coyote, tequila should be sipped, not shot.

Tequilas at Coyote

“Premium tequilas” is not an oxymoron. For me, regular tequilas like Jose Cuervo taste like dishwater from a dirty Mexican restaurant compared to those produced by smaller distilleries. Though a little more expensive, these tequilas should be sipped with ice like a fine single malt Scotch rather than chucked down the back of the throat with a grimace.

At Coyote on Convent, there are no less than 87 tequilas on offer and they are served in a brandy glass, not a shooter, and accompanied by homemade sangria.

Andrew Dill, the restaurant’s manager, says Coyote has Thailand’s largest supply of tequila and also acts as a brand ambassador for one of the biggest names -- Patrón. Coyote also boasts Centenario, which is produced in Jack Daniels barrels to provide it with a distinct flavor.

Manager Dill recommends the Patrón Reposado for 395 baht for a glass or the value-for-money Herradura for between 265 and 355 baht.  
 
Sivadon Building, 1/2 Convent Road, Silom, BTS: Sala Daeng. Tel +66 02 631 2325

Single malt whiskey fans will enjoy Pan Pacific's Finishing Post.

Single malt at the Finishing Post

The drop in tourist arrivals last year and the economic downturn saw many hotels take the opportunity to renovate and upgrade their restaurants and rooms.

Last July, the Pan Pacific on Rama IV unveiled its new, stunning Panorama restaurant with adjoining lounge bar, the Finishing Post. The ambience is posh and clubby -- its dark woods and leather chairs would put anyone looking for an after-work drink or post-meal nightcap at ease. There is an extensive list of single malt whiskeys, some of which are more than 40 years old, and a cigar menu.

952 Rama IV Road, BTS: Sala Daeng, tel+66 (0)2 632 9000