Bar Project Tokyo
Earlier this year we were asked by a bar owner in Japan to help bottle an exclusive private single cask under their own brand for their chic cocktail and whisky bar located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. And here’s how it all went!
Bar FIVE Arrows is a sophisticated space tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku Station’s West Exit and has a calming dimmed ambiance with splashes of colour in the beautiful artwork which adorns the walls and the flowers used to garnish their seasonal cocktails and wide variety of French/New American inspired dishes.
We jumped at the chance to assist in the full project management to provide them with the perfect product. With a simple brief, a budget and small list of preferences and requirements we went about our business.
Cask Selection - Glenglassaugh 8 YO, 1st Fill PX Barrique.
Based on the clients flavour preferences we decided to send the client a sample from our own stock which we were considering for bottling. This cask had been matured in bourbon and finished in a PX Barrique for 2 years.
Glass selection - QBIC 700ml bottle
A square bottle was selected to reflect the uniqueness and modern style of the bar. Bottle shapes can add a slight challenge when it comes to label design and bottling. Square bottles require hand labelling instead of automated application and of course adds to the cost of the project. But, if the budget allows it’s a great way to create a stand out product.
Label and Box - Studio Hart
This is always the trickiest in any project as we have to navigate the needs and desires of the client and the compliance requirements set out by the SWA. It’s the most time consuming part going backwards and forwards with edits until the client is happy with the final outcome. In this case, it was about eight weeks between the first draft and final design sign off.
Printing - NSD Labels and Printing Blue
We use a number of printers depending on the print run and final design. Some standard sizes and basic papers can be ordered by online providers at very little cost. However, for Bar FIVE Arrows both the label and box used a high built varnish and gold foiling so a specialised printer was essential. We have used both NSD and Printing Blue many times and have always been happy with their prices, quality and lead-times.
Bottling Hall - Whiskybroker
We have 4 or 5 bottling halls which we use depending on our clients needs, ease of logistics, timescales involved and technical capabilities. For this project we used Whiskybroker in Dumfies and Galloway. It was the ideal choice because: 1. It was where the cask was located 2. They carried the glass that we required 3. Their lead-times at the time were in line with our schedule.
Export - SEKO
We have exported to clients in Japan before so understand the requirements which can sometimes be complicated depending on the destination country. We have to ensure the cargo is delivered in a safe, smooth and speedy manner. We always receive quotes from a number of providers for both sea and air transportation and allow the client to choose the best option for them.
Lessons
From our perspective this was a fairly straight forward project. All of the suppliers that we partnered with helped in it’s smooth and timely completion. It’s not always the case! Thankfully, there was also a relaxed deadline from the client which is unusual. We tend to work on worse case scenario timescales as almost every element of a bottling project takes longer than expected to be delivered. This is the first square bottle we’ve used which posed it’s own challenges from design to bottling hall. It’s important to highlight to clients the use of ‘non-standard’ elements such as bottle shapes or embellishments on labels for such small quantities that are produced from single casks. Bespoke items which are of course desirable and can truly elevate the final product, carry MOQs that can push the overall project costs up beyond the value of the liquid within.
The final product -
