Living near the equator, we don’t get to experience many seasons outside of constant summer. Unfortunately, the joy of watching autumn leaves fall and playing in the snow has been lost on us due to weather.
Well, with Japan embracing the start of autumn, The House of Suntory is celebrating the new season by collaborating with eight different cocktail bars across the Klang Valley to present their three signature autumn cocktails made with Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Chita Whisky.
Life is all about having fun with the people that matter most, and more often than not, that includes grabbing a drink with them to cool down and relax. And while any bottle of liquor can definitely do the trick, having a more ‘atas’ alcoholic beverage can do wonders for your night out!
Japanese Craft Spirits Like No Other
When we think of Japan, we think of its breathtaking nature, so it is unsurprising that Japanese philosophy is all about the relationship between its people and its environment.
The House of Suntory embodies this harmonious relationship between Japanese people and Japanese nature by sourcing authentic Japanese ingredients to create the subtle, refined and complex flavours their spirits are known for.
Their spirits are crafted by Japanese artisans, with a centuries-old tradition of meticulous attention to detail, ensuring utmost quality. By utilising six very special botanicals from Japan for their Roku Gin, 100% Hakumai (Japanese white rice) for their Haku Vodka, and pure water for its Chita Whisky, their spirits carry a uniquely Japanese flavour unlike any other.
Experience Autumn With Their 3 Signature Cocktails!
For the whole month of September, The House of Suntory will be collaborating with eight different cocktail bars across the Klang Valley to welcome the new season, even in Malaysia.
You can visit the following bars to enjoy the House of Suntory’s three signature autumn cocktails, all of which use either Roku Gin, Hoku Vodka, or Chita Whisky in its makeup:
Sporting an old-school kampung vibe with its rattan chairs and outdoor courtyard, experience the chill of autumn with the House of Suntory all while enjoying a uniquely Malaysian ambiance at Pahit bar.
From left to right, Pahit bar presents a series of autumn cocktails with their AKI with Roku Gin (RM45), a creamy cocktail filled with citrus, floral and herbal notes, mixed in with the sweetness of honey and Sakura bitters, too; KOYO & MOMIJI (RM45), fresh aromas of Shiso leaves and the subtle sweetness of Haku Vodka; and Shroom with Chita Whisky (RM38), delicate earthy notes from the Shiitake honey and Hinoki bitters.
Address: 3, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
If you’re looking for a hideaway spot to sit down and enjoy a drink, then Hyde Bar is where you’ll want to be. Hidden behind a black sliding door, the bar offers an elegant atmosphere away from the prying eyes of the public. They also offer a private room if you’re looking to get extra privacy with your friends.
This Autumn season, Hyde Bar has whipped up their SATSUMA-IMO with Roku Gin (RM50), a unique cocktail made with sweet potato syrup garnished with some sweet potato chips; KOME TO UME with Haku Vodka (RM50), a complex and spirit-forward twist on a classic dry martini with the delicate tartness of Umeshu; and AKI NO OCHA with Chita Whisky (RM50), an elegant blend of herbal sweetness with fresh lemons for a mature flavour.
Address: 53M, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Drinking in KL is not complete without the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in full view as you clink cocktail glasses with your friends, and Blue Bar offers just that. The speakeasy bar gives its customers a chill ambience, unique and delicious cocktails and a breathtaking view as well.
Coming in with a delicate touch of spice from ginger and layers of floral notes from elderflower and chrysanthemum, Blue Bar’s HANAKOTOBA with Roku Gin (RM58) is uniquely refreshing; their QUINTESSAA with Haku Vodka (RM58) brings together a harmony of flavours with strawberries and kaffir oil; and finally, their MALACCA STREET with Chita Whisky (RM65) perfectly blends the delicate sweetness of ‘gula melaka’ with the bitterness of Fernet Branca and DOM Benedictine you can’t find anywhere else.
Address: Level 51, EQ, Equatorial Plaza, Jln Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Nestled among disrepair and surrounded by graffiti art, Kantata is a hidden coffee and cocktail bar unlike any other on this list. Its pink and marble theme, alongside their disco-themed mirror balls, calls for a fun and hip ambiance for you and your friends.
Come here to indulge in their GENZAI げんざい with Roku Gin (RM40), a highball-style cocktail infused with delicate floral and citrus notes; their KAKO かこ with Haku Vodka (RM45), a fun and hip mix of Roku Gin and fizziness; and their MIRAI みらい with Chita Whisky (RM38) for a delightful and refreshing cocktail, with a balance of homemade apple soda and the warmth of mixed spices.
Address: 90, Jalan Tuba, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
For a more romantic evening, Fook Bar offers an intimate setting up on a hilltop with its dark, ambient lighting and heavy East Asian interior design. Here, you can expect to enjoy unique cocktails with heavy South East Asian influences.
To celebrate Autumn, Fook introduces their ASSAM ASIN with Roku Gin (RM38) a balanced cocktail of freshness and citrus flavours, combining the sweet and sour taste of ‘assam boi’ and cucumber bitters; their one-of-a-kind TOM YUM MARTINI with Haku Vodka (RM38), a Thai-inspired cocktail with the right burst of spiciness and sweetness; and their FOOK N’ GINGER with Chita Whisky (RM40), which has a more complex taste, with spicy aromas of grated ginger and sweetness from the honey.
Address: 19, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Penrose Bar is one of the more modern bars in this list, in both their interior design and their modern takes on classic cocktails available for order.
This Autumn, they are presenting their POIRE DE ROKU with Roku Gin (RM50), an aromatic cocktail with the aromas of ripe pear and citrus; their LEEK & SHOCHU with Haku Vodka (RM50), rich in flavour and savoury at the same time from the leek pickle juice, not leaving out the subtle sweetness from Haku; and their CHITA & MALT with Chita Whisky (RM50), a multi-layered cocktail with a delicate bittersweet taste.
Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Visit France this Autumn when you go to the refined French Riviera-inspire restaurant and bar, Nizza. Expect to enjoy French cuisine alongside their three unique cocktails.
Presenting their ROKU SPRITZ with Roku Gin (RM48), an uplifting in a sweet effervescence, from the bittersweet notes from Campari and the freshness from Shiso leaves; their HAKU RINGO with Haku Vodka (RM48), an elegant and perfect cocktail for a quiet autumn evening; and their AUTUMN SOUR with Chita Whisky (RM48), a twist from the classic whisky sour with sweet potato puree, aquafaba and angostura bitters.
Address: Level 3, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, No. 6, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Last but not least, Bar Moku is a cocktail lounge surrounded by greenery and nature, where you can enjoy a chill night out in their courtyard. Come here to experience a relaxing summer breeze and a botanical ambience as you celebrate Autumn in Japan with the House of Suntory.
This Autumn, Bar Moku introduces AUTUMN GIN & TONIC with Roku Gin (RM30), a lovely twist from the classic gin & tonic made with pepper syrup and ginger juice; DRY HIGHBALL with Haku Vodka (RM35), a rich combination with Nigori Sake and a hint of lime peel; and AUTUMN HIGHBALL with Chita Whisky (RM45), a cocktail made with a touch of cinnamon syrup, Aperol, and the zest of an orange slice.
Address: 11 Jalan Aman, Off, Jln Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Even though we may not be able to enjoy the falling of autumn leaves for ourselves, we can definitely enjoy these cocktails alongside Japan instead! For more information, be sure to check out the House of Suntory’s official website or follow them on Instagram to get the latest updates, @suntory_rokugin, @suntoryhakuvodka and @suntorywhisky.
