In a bar, you can spend time alone as you please.
But you are not entirely alone.

Charles Schumann is the owner of "Schumann's," a bar in Munich that has enjoyed enduring popularity for over 35 years, and the author of "Schumann's Bar Book" (1991), an innovative cocktail recipe book cherished in bars worldwide.

Composed of over 500 cocktail recipes and simple illustrations, its binding resembles a Bible. It is truly the bible for bartenders.

It exudes a spirit of confronting the essence of taste, making it extremely stoic in its creation, yet its dedication is what makes it stylish.

In the documentary, which shares the same title as his recipe book, the 76-year-old Schumann, still active today, travels to Berlin, New York, Paris, Havana, Tokyo, and Vienna, visiting renowned establishments to explore the origins of his curiosity.

It's a blissful experience, as if being taught the charms of bars and cocktails by a wonderful guide.

"Schumann's Bar Book"(1991)

He himself said, "I actually didn't want to make this film." After saying that, he gave a sly smile. From the way he passionately converses with others who love drinks and bars during his travels, it's clear that this wasn't his true feeling. His slightly provocative remarks are his unique sense of humor.

When asked about his true feelings, he expressed his surprise, saying, "Except for Japan, which feels as comfortable as being at home, the harvest of this filming trip was Berlin."

"Being in Germany, I was too close to notice, but it's a truly wonderful city. After three days, I didn't want to leave. There are many small bars, and the nationalities of the people working there are diverse. I even met Japanese bartenders. Since there are few Germans, I was able to learn many things I didn't know."

Schumann is a man of great curiosity.

His background is also unique: after serving in the German border guard and working in a diplomatic office, he worked in bars and restaurants in France and Italy before settling in Munich at the age of 31.

At the time, there were no bars outside of hotels in Europe, so in 1982, he opened a bar that also served food in Munich's Maximilianplatz.

Always seeking the new, he actively engages in writing books, modeling, and collaborations with liquor manufacturers.

"At one of my bars, 'Schumann's Les Fleurs du Mal,' we host guest bartenders every two to three weeks. This is how the bar evolves."

'Schumann's Les Fleurs du Mal,' meaning "Flowers of Evil," is highly acclaimed and popular, having received industry awards. Its continued success is likely due to the owner's refusal to allow stagnation. In fact, this is the establishment he poured his ideals into in 2013, reflecting his preference for authentic Japanese bars.

"Japanese bars are unique. It's a pleasure to observe their craftsmanship. The meticulous bar-keeping and hospitality of Japanese bartenders are cultivated within a distinct culture. They never overstep. I like that sense of distance. I generally don't go to noisy places. I prefer small bars where the bartender's attention is focused. They are efficient, organized, and clean. Their service maintains a respectful distance. These are the ideal establishments for me."

He could talk endlessly about his love for bars. His passionate sentiments can be fully appreciated in the film, so we will refrain from elaborating here.

"When I saw the finished film, I felt that I wasn't the main character. What remained in my memory were the beautiful cityscapes and the music."

"In a bar, the bartender is not the main character either. In a good environment, various ingredients are gathered to create delicious cocktails, which are then served to the 'audience,' the guests. Bar-keeping is similar to everyone working together to create a great film, isn't it?"

We asked Mr. Schumann about the qualities of a good bartender.

"It's about being aware that you are the host. The bartender is never the main character. Just like in a film, the most important element is the 'audience.' A bar is a special place for guests. You can spend time alone as you please. But you are not entirely alone. And unlike home, it's a place you can leave freely at any time."

He aims to create such special places and provide comfortable experiences for each individual. He has a dream he wishes to fulfill in pursuit of the spirit of his ideal bar. He hopes to one day manage a small, intimate establishment again, reminiscent of when he first started this business.

"My wish is to run a small bar with two staff members. Instead of lining the shelves with tens of thousands of liquor bottles, I'd have just a few carefully selected favorites. Japanese whisky is a must, of course!"

Charles SCHUMANN

Born September 15, 1941. After wandering the world, he returned to Munich at age 31 and opened "Schumann's Bar" in 1982, which became explosively popular. His book "Schumann's Bar Book" (published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha in 1991) became a bestseller, cherished as a bible in bars worldwide. Even at 76, he still works at the bar daily, a legendary bartender.

"Schumann's Bar Book"
Director | Marieke Schroeder
Starring | Charles Schumann, Stephan Weber, Dale DeGroff, Julie Reiner, Colin Field, Hisashi Kishi, Hidekazu Ueno, et al.
Supported by | Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Distribution | Crest International
http://crest-inter.co.jp/schumanns/
© 2017 Thali Media
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