Over the past 12 months, The Bar has steadily earned a reputation as one of the Klang Valley’s top destinations for cocktails. It’s still likely the only Japanese-helmed establishment of its kind in Malaysia; customers can enjoy a front-row seat at the polished wooden counter & watch master bartender Sam Kinugawa & his protege Tom calmly & compellingly craft their cocktails – an intimate, unique & zen-like experience that evokes how a sushi chef can be observed creating his masterpieces.

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review1

The cocktails are as elegant as the setting (which is sparklingly spotless) – if the Martini (RM48+) is the benchmark by which bars are judged, then this bar won’t be found wanting. Sam has doing this for decades, & his confidence & capabilities shine with the use of top-flight components, poured, stirred & strained to spark alcohol alchemy. Flavours are harmoniously balanced & temperatures are masterfully controlled, with each beverage bolstered by a sensuous smoothness with sometimes surprising dimensions & nuances. This isn’t a showy bar; it succeeds in impressing in its own restrained, understated fashion.

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review2

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review3

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review4

A painstaking precision flows through The Bar’s entire process, from the choice of crystal glasses (meticulously cleaned) to the ice (it takes three days to produce, clear & unclouded by bubbles) to the purity of the house-made soda water to the final execution (note how each fruit is scrupulously sliced & squeezed). All that thought & work come together in the Sake Nashi, combining junmai sake & pear juice with lemon, olive oil & blue curacao (RM43+) for complexities of fruitiness & fermentation.

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review5

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review6

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review7

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review8

Add to that the undeniable visual glamour of many of The Bar’s own-conceived cocktails (check out that radiant mix of Wild Turkey bourbon & Tanqueray gin), & it’s obvious why this has become an irresistible stop for many. Everything from wines to Japanese whiskies are also available, as are cigars, so it’s easy to envision spending many hours unwinding here. Note that counter seats are limited, so call to reserve; otherwise, take a table on the other side of the outlet or outside on the terrace.

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review9

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review10

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review11

Snack break! The Bar serves its own distinctive canapes, smoked for hours over wood fire – edamame, octopus, cream cheese, oysters, scallops & fish roe, showcasing sultry flavours that supply more satisfaction than expected (RM18 each)

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review12

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review13

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review14

The Bar’s spree of specialities seems ceaseless, making for an engaging exploration – from a Shandy Guff with beer & Bentong ginger ale to a Bamboo with sherry & vermouth, a Talisker Single Malt highball with white pepper to crowd-pleasing potions like dragon-fruit-&-rum cocktails & classic White Russians, there absolutely is something for everyone here (well, unless you don’t drink), so simply let Sam & Tom know what sort of drinks you like. Many thanks to The Bar for having us here.

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review15

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review16

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review17

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review18

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review19

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review20

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review21

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review22

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review23

The_Bar_Kinugawa_at_Empire_Damansara_2015_Review24

Location and Contact Details

The Bar Kinugawa

112, Empire Damansara, Heritage Lane, No.2, Jalan PJU 8/8A

Tel: +03 2116 9680

Find: Contact details and map for The Bar Kinugawa

See Also: The Bar by Sam Kinugawa at Empire Damansara: Restaurant Review