Osaka, Suntory City (3)

Post by Stefan Van Eycken, Tokyo

We’re finishing our round-up of Suntory attractions in Osaka with three fairly recent establishments.

Whisky Shop W.

Whisky Shop W. is located in the Suntory HQ building in the Dojima district of Osaka. It’s not really geared towards the malt maniac, but two things make this a port of call for us whenever we’re in town. One, they’ve always got a store exclusive bottling, whether it be one of their 300ml NAS Hakushu / Yamazaki / Chita special bottlings or a single cask (anniversary / Owner’s Cask bottlings). Two, you can try the entire Suntory line-up, including limited releases such as the yearly Heavily Peated, Sherry a.o. Hakushu / Yamazaki offerings and even things you’d have a hard time getting your hands on, such as the recent Deep Harmony (bar-trade only) Hibiki. They’ve also got Scotch and American whiskeys from the Suntory portfolio and a variety of snacks and goods. The only thing we don’t like about this place is their crazy hours.

Address: Suntory Building 1F, 2-1-40 Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0004
Tel: 06-6341-3123
Hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30 - 18:30; Closed on Sat, Sun & National Holidays
Website: http://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/shop/

Update: Whisky Shop W. will be closing its doors permanently at the end of March 2016.

The Aging House 1795

This bar/restaurant is in the same building as Whisky Shop W. so the best thing is to go around noon when you can take advantage of both. It opened on March 21, 2013 in the wake of their ‘Cool Bourbon’ campaign, just after Suntory had acquired the Jim Beam brand. It features a nice albeit limited selection of Jim Beam-based libations – including their original Jim Beam Mint Julep – and cured, smoked and whiskey-aged meats. Unlike the Highball Bars, where the drinks are the main attraction, The Aging House is really a place where you’d go to eat and have a couple whiskey(s)/cocktails to help wash down the beef. As said, lunch is the best time to go, also in terms of value for money.

Address: Suntory Building 1F, 2-1-40 Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0004
Tel: 06-6345-2118
Hours: Mon -Sat: 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 23:00; Closed on Sun & National Holidays
Website: http://gourmet.suntory.co.jp/shop/0663452118/

Suntory Whisky House

The most recent Suntory establishment in Osaka is the Suntory Whisky House, located on the second floor of the Grand Front building. It opened a few months ago (April 29, 2013) and it’s got something for everyone. There’s a mini exhibition of Suntory memorabilia and old bottles. There’s also a shop with furniture made from used barrels. They’ve got everything from tables and chairs to racks and even a mini bar for your home. Chances are – if you spend more than 5 minutes looking around – you’ll find something you’ll want to take with you. (I speak from experience!) There’s also a bar, with the standard official bottlings and some older “vintage” releases, and a restaurant. It’s easy to be dismissive about these PR-driven establishments, but the restaurant really is fantastic. Best time to go is in the evening when you’ve got the whole menu to choose from. The food’s so good I forgot to take notes last time I was there. Whatever you do, don’t finish without trying the Hibiki Ice Cream… and it’s even better with a Hibiki on the side.

Address: Grand Front Osaka 2F, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, 530-0011 Osaka
Tel: 06-6359-2177
Hours:
Whisky Gallery: Mon - Sun: 11:00 - 20:00
Whisky Dining WWW. W :  Mon - Sun: 11:30 - 14:00, 17.30 - 23:00
Whisky Bottle Bar DEN OSAKA: Mon - Sat: 17:30 - 24:00
Website: http://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/whiskyhouse/

Also take a look at:
Part 1 : Juso Torys Bar
Part 2 : Highball Bar Umeda 1923