Looking for an impressive bar with an edgy class here in Bangkok? I have one for you, but there is one problem. The problem is you need to have Iron Balls when you are visiting it. I am talking about the cool bar here in Bangkok – Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon, where they serve same-named gin. Ok, seadogs, let’s go to our 20.000 leagues under the sea adventure.
What Is All About?
Remember the last time when we were wandering in Kuala Lumpur and found this picture-perfect bar – Iron Fairies? Well, Iron Balls Bangkok is part of the same family, with a few differences. Most noticeable is the Asian Gin revolution, which takes part in their distillery. Iron Balls is quite popular Southeast Asian gin. Their in-house distillery didn’t stop with drink, but they rather built a bar around this gin. Let’s check an ambiance of this ballsy gin temple, shall we…
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The Ambiance of the Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon
The father of Iron Balls’ concept is Ashley Sutton, an extremely talented designer who is standing behind many outstanding projects. Like Iron Fairies also this bar begins with the moody setting adorned by steam-punk theme and peerless touch. In a word, this bar looks funky.
When we were there, DJ was playing some old school funky jams on her LP stereo. Neat! The main theme of the bar and hmmm gin itself is vintage scuba diving. 20.000 leagues under the sea if you like.
The Drink Menu
The pillar here is, of course, Iron Balls Gin, which recently got a great partner – Vodka. You can enjoy each on its own or mixed into a delicious cocktail. The head mixologist here is Carson Quinn, who worked his way through some of Ashley Sutton’s top bars in Asia. Let me explain that the menu is not extensive; it has only twelve cocktails on it. However, as a gin lover, all I need is a gin with lemon and good old G&T for my darling.
Our Drinks
My choice was reasonable and full of respect – gin with a slice of lemon and rocks on aside. Vivi, on the other hand, took classic Gin&Tonic (Fever Tree Elderflower).
The base for Iron Balls Gin is pineapple and coconut, which are fermented for about a week. Then, the spirit is macerated with 15 botanicals. The recipe was in work for three and a half years, so don’t expect a reveal of all herbs. However, among others, there are ginger, lemongrass, mace, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, coriander seeds, ginseng, and juniper berries. Juniper berries are keeping this gin in the classic zone, while tropical herbs are keeping it tropically floral. On the nose, I got strong ginger and cinnamon with mango and pineapple. Juniper berries came out more at the back, especially in the aftertaste. Taste is fruity with citrus hints and medium aftertaste. This gin is clever and ballsy at the same time.
Vivi’s G&T was fabulous as well. Tonic prolonged floral notes from the gin and got along with its fruitiness perfectly. Elderflower with ginger and lemongrass is a classic hit, so I think this tonic might be just perfect for it. Lovely G&T!
Conclusion
There were more than 600 recipes attempts to get Iron Balls Gin as we know it today. As you can see, Ashley Sutton is a perfectionist and his approach to gin destination is damn serious. We can only confirm and applaud his dedication. Iron Balls Gin is amazing and Thailand deserves a good gin like this. If you are in Bangkok, I strongly recommend to stop there and have a nautical drink way.
Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/109.5/10
- SERVICE – 9.3/109.3/10
- DRINK SELECTION – 9.0/109.0/10
- PRESENTATION – 9/109/10
- OUR DRINKS – 9.2/109.2/10
- VALUE – 8.9/108.9/10
Price and Location
A drink here will cost you about 15 USD. Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon is located on the famous Sukhumvit road. Here is a link to the location for easy navigation.
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