Kyoto ¨C When an already storied name in Tokyo¡¯s cocktail scene opens up shop in the ancient capital, membership in the upper echelon of Kyoto¡¯s nightlife landscape becomes an expedited affair.
When I visit Bar Trench Kyoto during Golden Week, I¡¯m first greeted by a warm, atmospheric amber glow from the globe lamps inside the expansive front window of a 120-year-old machiya (traditional merchant townhouse). Located in the city¡¯s Kawaramachi neighborhood, the structure presents a quintessential Kyoto-style view completed by the row of bicycles parked neatly out front.
Inside, near a wooden placard on the wall displaying the opening lyrics to Tom Waits¡¯ ¡°San Diego Serenade¡± (¡°I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long / I never heard the melody until I needed the song¡±), head bartender Arthur Roberts serves me the perfectly spicy, citrusy Tender Talk, whose mezcal and Amaro Montenegro base is infused with yuzu and lemon, and to which he adds a spritz of smoky Laphroaig scotch.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.