Bar Caravel Sapporo: a luxurious haven for whisky lovers

Introducing Bar Caravel: British ship concept and ambience

As soon as you enter Bar Caravel, you're immediately transported into a world of distinction and discretion. This luxurious establishment deliberately plays with shadow rather than light, with subdued lighting and dark wood creating an intimate, hushed atmosphere. The very name of the establishment, "Caravel", refers to the caravels, the emblematic ships of the era of the Great Discoveries, which enabled European explorers to cross previously unknown oceans.

The leather furnishings - including sumptuous sofas and club armchairs - and meticulous decoration faithfully reproduce the interior of a British ship from the golden age of maritime exploration. The marine theme is perfectly executed, echoing the history of caravels which, with their shallow draught and triangular sails, were ideal for exploration. Like these ships, which required only a small crew to navigate, Bar Caravel offers an intimate space where every detail is thought out to create an exceptional tasting experience.

Located on the second floor of the Sapporo Grand Hotel's East Building, the bar seats 31, helping to maintain that exclusive, private atmosphere where you can truly immerse yourself in the appreciation of the spirits on offer.

An exceptional selection of Japanese and international whiskies

When you open the Bar Caravel menu, you're in for a real treat. The establishment offers an impressive selection of whiskies meticulously divided by terroir - Japanese, Irish, Scotch, single malt scotch - with vintages ranging from 12 to 18 years, and sometimes even up to 30 years old.

The two major Japanese brands, Nikka and Suntory, are particularly well represented. Nikka shines with formidable bottles of Tsuru and Taketsuru, refined blends of single malts from the Sapporo and Sendai distilleries. Suntory is not to be outdone, with the now-famous Hakushu (12 and 18 years) and Yamazaki (also available in 12 and 18 years), produced at two distilleries on the main island of Honshu. You can also enjoy Hibiki, an exquisite blend of single malts from the two previous distilleries.

But perhaps the ultimate refinement lies in the exclusivity that the Sapporo Grand Hotel can boast: the establishment has had a 1999 Suntory Single Cask Yamazaki made especially for the Caravel. This exceptional whisky can only be tasted here, but be warned: this single malt is 58° proof, with aromatic complexity to match its rarity.

Practical information: opening times, access and reservations

Bar Caravel welcomes you every day from 6pm to midnight (last service), offering the ideal night-time escape after a day of exploring Sapporo. Located on the second floor of the East Wing of the Sapporo Grand Hotel, it remains open 365 days a year to satisfy your thirst for tasty discoveries.

There are several options for getting there. The bar is just a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, accessible via the Sapporo Underground Walkway (exit 8). If you prefer to take the subway, get off at either Sapporo or Odori station - the latter being just a 5-minute walk from the establishment.

For information or reservations, please contact the Sapporo Grand Hotel directly on +81-11-261-3311 (Sapporo Grand Hotel). Reservations are particularly recommended for groups of 9 or more. The reception service for reservations is available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To visit the bar's official website, go to http://www.grand1934.com/english/rest/bar/.

Sapporo Grand Hotel setting and services

Bar Caravel enjoys the prestigious setting of the Sapporo Grand Hotel, considered the city's most beautiful hotel. Opened in 1934 as Hokkaido's first authentic Western-style hotel, this 5-star establishment has become a veritable institution in the region.

Located in a dynamic business district, the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Tanukikoji shopping street and close to the Sapporo Clock Tower. With 561 elegant rooms, it offers guests optimum comfort and a host of complementary services, including a 24-hour currency exchange and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

In addition to the Bar Caravel, the Sapporo Grand Hotel is home to several dining establishments to suit all tastes:

• Northern Terrace Diner (Western restaurant, 191 seats)
• Chinese Dining Kokaku (Chinese cuisine, 110 seats)
• Garden Dining Waraku (Japanese cuisine, 87 seats)
• Hokkaido Dining Big Jug (brasserie, 126 seats)
• Lounge & Bar Old Saloon 1934 (84 seats)
• Lobby Lounge Mizar (108 seats)
• The Bakery & Pastry (pastry shop)

The hotel also offers laundry services, delivery service, bicycle rental and many other amenities to ensure a perfect stay for its guests.

Customer experience: prices, table charges and available menus

The Bar Caravel experience comes with prices that match the quality on offer. Please note that a table charge of ¥1,000 per person is applied, a common practice in high-end Japanese establishments.

As for drinks, expect to pay between ¥1,000 and ¥7,000 for a glass of whisky, with most references in the ¥1,200 to ¥3,000 range. If you prefer other spirits, a beer or liqueur will cost you around ¥900.

The average price of a visit is usually between ¥3,800 and ¥5,000 per person, which is still reasonable given the exceptional quality of the products on offer and the luxurious setting in which they are enjoyed.

Among the special offers, the bar proposes a "Premium After Party Plan" at ¥5,500 (tax included) which includes a two-hour self-service package of premium Scotch whiskies (12 years old), including single malts, as well as bourbons. A perfect option for extending a special evening or celebrating a special event.

Bar Caravel accepts a variety of payment methods, including all major credit cards (VISA, JCB, Master, UC, AMEX, DC, DINERS, Ginrei and others), making your experience easy.

How to make the most of your visit to Bar Caravel

To make the most of your experience at Bar Caravel, a few tips are in order. First of all, dress smartly to match the refined atmosphere of the place. If you're new to Japanese whisky, don't hesitate to ask the staff for advice. They are particularly knowledgeable and always ready to guide you in your taste discovery.

For the best tasting experience, take the time to observe the color of your whisky, then delicately sniff its aromas before tasting it in small bursts. The addition of a drop of water can sometimes reveal new aromatic dimensions, particularly for high-alcohol whiskies like Suntory Single Cask Yamazaki 58°.

If you're a fan of Scotch single malts, this is the perfect opportunity to discover their Japanese counterparts and appreciate how Japanese distillers have appropriated this art to create spirits of remarkable finesse. Note that unlike Scotch whisky, which must be produced and bottled in Scotland, Japanese legislation is different: Japanese whisky must simply be blended and bottled in Japan, which sometimes allows the use of foreign malts or grain whiskies in the blends.

For a 100% Japanese experience, opt for pure malts or single malts that clearly indicate the name of the Japanese distillery that produced them. Take advantage of your presence in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, to appreciate the whiskies of Nikka, whose Yoichi distillery is located on the same island, chosen specifically for its climatic conditions similar to those of Scotland.

Finally, don't forget that Bar Caravel is a place where tasting is done in a calm and respectful atmosphere. Take the time to savor every sip and appreciate the unique atmosphere of this haven of peace dedicated to lovers of exceptional spirits.