Chihiro Magami of "CABIN Nakameguro" on the Allure of "MONKEY 47" | MONKEY 47
MONKEY 47 | Monkey Forty-Seven
Every corner of the distillery was cool. Its flawlessness was dignified.
Sullivan Gouvea, head bartender at "CABIN Nakameguro," which is holding the "MONKEY 47 Takes Over CABIN" event until August 31, 2020 (Monday). Sullivan was one of the participants who visited the Black Forest distillery in February of this year. In this article, we asked him for his frank impressions of his visit and the allure of "MONKEY 47."
Photographs by OHTAKI Kaku | Text & Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
There's a difference after going, isn't there?
"I had always recommended 'MONKEY 47' with confidence, but after visiting the distillery, I can explain it more thoroughly. Plus, people are now asking me, 'What's it like there? What was the atmosphere?'" (Sullivan of "CABIN Nakameguro")
It's been four years since the Nakameguro branch opened. Initially, they had a large menu of whiskies, but in response to the passionate requests of their regular customers, they now focus on gin-based cocktails as well.
"When you go to a bar, you want to drink a delicious Gin & Tonic or Gin Soda, right? Gin can be enjoyed refreshingly even before the sun sets. Especially in the summer, when you want something crisp, I recommend a Gin & Tonic," (Sullivan)
Generally, gin has a strong juniper berry aroma as its key flavor, but "MONKEY 47" has a complexity that includes various fruits like grapefruit and lemon, as well as lingonberries, and spices, giving it depth in both taste and aroma. That's why both female and male customers are delighted when he recommends "MONKEY 47" as a base for Gin & Tonics.
"What impressed me most on-site was their strong commitment. From the distillery's architecture to the overall coordination of the entire brand, I was deeply impressed by their attitude. They also thoroughly research their botanical ingredients, and I could feel their dedication to fresh, high-quality components firsthand," (Sullivan)
During the "MONKEY 47 Takes Over CABIN" event, related goods such as booklets issued by the Black Forest distillery are displayed in the bar.
During the "MONKEY 47 Takes Over CABIN" event, related goods such as booklets issued by the Black Forest distillery are displayed in the bar.
The Black Forest distillery evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era.
"Even though it's not something shown to customers, they meticulously craft every detail, even down to the levers on the machinery, using leather covers to achieve aesthetic perfection. Every part of the distillery was cool. Its flawlessness was consistently dignified," (Sullivan)
At "CABIN Nakameguro," where Sullivan serves as head bartender, the "MONKEY 47 Takes Over CABIN" event is currently underway until August 31 (Monday). During this period, MONKEY 47 displays are set up throughout the bar, and two special drinks are offered.
"Monkey Caipirinha" (¥2400, tax not included), made with 50ml of gin, grapefruit, and Japanese sugar (wasanbon). The smooth sweetness of the wasanbon is a key element.
"For one, I created a 'MONKEY 47' version of the Caipirinha, inspired by my home country, Brazil. I used 'MONKEY 47' instead of rum and added grapefruit and wasanbon. The aroma of 'MONKEY 47' unfolds within its sweet and sour notes," (Sullivan)
"MEGURONI 47" (¥1600, tax not included), a mix of 30ml dry gin, 20ml plum liqueur, 10ml orange bitters liqueur, garnished with grapefruit.
"And the other is a Negroni-style twist. Normally, it's a combination of Campari, vermouth, and dry gin, but for this cocktail, I'm using 'MONKEY 47,' vermouth, and plum liqueur as the base," (Sullivan)
These two drinks, with their distinct characters, are both truly delicious! Please try them both!!
For more details about the fair, please check this article.
[Limited Time!] "MONKEY 47" Fair Held at 3 Bars in Tokyo | MONKEY 47
The interior, designed in a North American mountain lodge style, was created with the owner's vision of a stylish bar in Tokyo. Art made from crushed, used saws adorns the walls, creating a unique atmosphere where stylishness and relaxation coexist.
Address | 1-10-23 River Side Terrace 101, Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Phone | 03-6303-2220 Reservations | Possible (up to 30 minutes prior on the same day) Hours | 7:00 PM - approx. 12:00 AM (Mon-Thu) 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Fri, Sat) *Last order 1:00 AM *Business hours may change due to measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Please call to inquire. Closed | Sundays, National Holidays Event Period | Ongoing - August 31 (Monday) URL |https://www.instagram.com/cabin_sullivan/For details on the fair, please check our Instagram.
