Introduction
Hidden in a quiet building in Shinjuku, Bar Benfiddich is unlike any other bar in the world. It is intimate, deeply personal, and guided entirely by the vision of one man: Hiroyasu Kayama, the bar’s founder, bartender, herbalist, and alchemist. Since opening in 2013, Bar Benfiddich has become a global destination for cocktail connoisseurs seeking a truly unique experience — one where cocktails are crafted like ancient remedies, and nature plays the leading role. Kayama sources many of his ingredients directly from his family farm outside Tokyo, growing herbs, roots, spices, and botanicals that form the foundation of his creations. Unlike most bars, Bar Benfiddich has no formal menu. Each drink is made on demand, through conversation between guest and bartender, tailored to individual mood and taste. The bar is small — just nine seats — and decorated with dark woods, shelves filled with jars of roots, dried flowers, and ancient bottles. The atmosphere is quiet, almost meditative. Every drink is prepared with old-world techniques: hand grinding spices, carefully infusing herbs, and balancing flavors with extreme precision. Two signature creations give a glimpse into Kayama’s world: 1. Absinthe Espresso Martini Spirits: Kubler Absinthe (Switzerland) House-roasted espresso Vanilla liqueur Fresh cream A rich, aromatic blend where licorice notes from absinthe meet bold coffee and smooth vanilla, creating a layered, sophisticated twist on a modern classic. 2. Smoky Honey Old Fashioned Spirits: Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve (Japan, lightly peated whisky) House-infused honey syrup with Japanese cedar and herbs Orange bitters A delicate balance of smoke, sweetness, and forest-like herbal notes — expressing the connection between Japan’s nature and Western classic cocktails. Fifteen key spirits used at Bar Benfiddich include: Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve (Japanese whisky) Yamazaki 12 Year (Japanese whisky) Nikka Coffey Grain (Japanese whisky) Kubler Absinthe (Switzerland) Chartreuse Verte (France) Chartreuse Jaune (France) Del Maguey Vida Mezcal (Mexico) Hennessy VSOP Cognac (France) Beefeater 24 Gin (UK) Rutte Celery Gin (Netherlands) Campari (Italy) Cynar (Italy) Luxardo Maraschino (Italy) Dolin Dry Vermouth (France) Noilly Prat Rouge Vermouth (France)
