Bar Imbolc: A Haven In Osaka For Whisky Lovers

Filled with literally hundreds of bars and nightclubs whose towering signs illuminate the street, Osaka’s entertainment district Kita-shinchi might just be the area with the most bars per square mile in Japan. For drink enthusiasts, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of options. Add to that the language barrier and the lack of English information about most of these bars, and it becomes really difficult for foreign visitors to discover the treasures hidden in this area in depth.

Tucked away on the fourth floor, Bar Imbolc is one of those bars whose reputation is spread more by word of mouth than any form of media. Such an establishment does not get many foreign visitors and I could see the slight surprise of the bartenders when I walked through the door. Soon after, the surprise gave way to unwavering Japanese hospitality.

My first step into the bar immediately makes it clear that this is a bar for the whisky aficionado. Dark tones of oak are chosen for the interior, which becomes more imposing under the dim light.  An elegant wooden counter hosts around ten people. On the other side of the counter, hundreds of scotch whisky bottles adorn the wall behind the two bartenders. Four small casks of whisky hung beneath the bottles complete the handsome setting.

“I love each and every bottle in my collection. It is impossible to choose between them,” says bar master Noboru-san when asked for his favorite whiskies. He is a man of experience, having worked in prestigious Ginza bars for 8 years before finally opening Bar Imbolc 4 years ago. “Initially, I was fascinated with every kind of alcoholic beverage, but whisky grew on me the most,” he replies when asked for his motivation to open a whisky bar. Looking forward to chatting with him more, I ask to start the night with a single malt highball for a refreshing escape from Osaka’s humid summer. He suggests Glen Grant 12, a Speyside whose barley and citrus notes shine even after the addition of soda. High-quality Japanese rice crackers and sweet potato snacks are served on the side to enrich the drinking experience.

After the highball, I feel ready to kick things up a notch and try some single malts neat. I ask for a peated Islay whose smokiness is not too overbearing. Noburo-san’s suggestion is Lagavulin’s 2020 bottling, 15 years old and double matured. This turns out to be a great choice, a superb whisky that carries the characteristic peat notes of Lagavulin but leaves room for dried fruit and oaky vanilla notes to dazzle.

For my last glass of the night, I ask for an aged whisky that will not break the bank. Out comes a 23 Year old Miltonduff. On the nose, this one is fascinating as the aroma that wafts off it reminds me of Japanese plum liqueur Umeshu. The plum notes are more subdued on the palate and oaky notes of vanilla and caramel take over. The finish is long and predominantly sweet as well, which makes this glass the ideal nightcap.

Noburo-san’s hospitality and deep knowledge of the whisky world make it a joy to visit Bar Imbolc. Overall, this bar offers a large variety of drinks in a classy and formal setting, with scotch whisky in the lead.  To escape the hustle and bustle under the thousand neon signs that adorn the streets of Kita-shinchi,  Bar Imbolc offers a  haven for whisky lovers where you can enjoy sipping your favorite scotch as if time has come to a standstill.