Alfresco 64 - A Chivas Bar, the world’s highest outdoor whiskey bar, is set to open March 8 in the Tower Club at lebua in Bangkok, Thailand. Lebua Hotels & Resorts CEO Deepak Ohri stopped by Travel Agent’s New York offices to fill us in on the project.
Set on the 64th floor of the Tower Club at lebua, Alfresco 64 has partnered with Scotch whiskey manufacturer Chivas Regal to serve a lineup of Chivas whiskies as well as other premium varieties, plus a limited edition “Chivas Exclusive lebua blend” – the first time Chivas Regal has created a blend exclusively for a partner.
Ohri says the idea for the venue came from a desire to do something different than traditional whiskey bars, which are often very dark and smoky, emphasizing wood paneling and leather in the design.
“We wanted to bring some fun to the whisky bar,” Ohri says, describing the design as a modern twist on the concept.
Created by the design team at DWP, the design of the space draws inspiration from a luxury yacht, with the outdoor area made to resemble the captain’s deck, looking out over the city and the river. A special area sits in the very front, like a captain’s chair, in which only Chivas whiskeys and Japanese Yamazaki whiskies — named #1 in the world in 2014 — can be ordered. An indoor area is made to resemble the yacht’s cabin, and, while the entire bar does not close for private events, an indoor Heritage room can be booked for VIP groups.
While Ohri says the bar is “all about the whiskey” – the drink menu will focus exclusively on whiskeys and whiskey cocktails – the bar will also serve a food menu of tapas and other light bites.
To guide them through their experience, guests will work with three different types of staff. The whiskey ambassador will handle bookings. A whiskey advisor will walk guests through the different varieties of whiskey available, and a whiskey consultant will recommend food to pair with each whiskey.
Alfresco 64 will be open year-round, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Travel agents can book starting March 8 by calling +662-624-9555 and asking for the whiskey ambassador.