Takumi Craft Bar

What better way to celebrate the Friday than with a glass of beer... or a flight of beers? Only at Takumi Craft Bar! It's something unique for us Malaysians as we're used to pints and bottles. The Beer Flight is reasonable priced for quality beers crafted and brewed in Japan! This Takumi bar does also whisky and Japanese wines in flights, as well as retail beverages that you can buy and drink at the bar (Hibiki is available. Shop at your own risk!) We went to try their beer Flight — three craft beers either curated by you or the friendly staff who has great beer knowledge. I ordered the pale ale, amber ale and the espresso stout. It was a really exciting and educational experience as you get to curate your own to suit personal preferences. Made from British malt and hops, the pale ale has a golden hue and sweet,floral flavours with a hint of caramel. It's also the lightest one among the three, and enjoyable to have on its own. The amber ale has a more intense flavour and a slightly roasted aroma, so it would go well with chicken or grilled fish. Finally, the espresso stout, which is a full-bodied beer. The longer roasting for this malted barley brings out the bitterness of the malt, dark chocolate and coffee beans, reminding you of how espresso tastes. Do note that this bar has limited space and it closes at 9pm.

An alternative to your run-of-the-mill bars, newly opened Takumi Craftbar in Isetan The Japan Store offers much more than a nightcap — it offers an experience. The small island bar seeks to be a place of introduction, where one can learn about, taste and experience Japanese spirits. Drop by for pre-dinner drinks (they close early at 9pm) and sip on their Tasting Set (RM50 for 3 glasses). You can opt for beer, wine or whiskey, and that flexibility is fantastic for friends who may not agree on the same drinks. If three is too many, start the night easy with the sweeter notes of their Hokkaido Melon Wine (RM28). Note that due to limited seating, there is a minimum order of one drink per patron.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Tiffany Ng

Located at one of the islands in Foodhall, Takumi offers a great alcohol tasting experience - Japanese wines, Craft beers and Whiskies. RM50/set for 3 glasses of your selected tasting. With a rule of minimum order per person, I had the wine set while my friend had the craft beer set. Ala carte orders are available. Explore and discover your favourite Japanese drink!