Manila, Philippines — Japanese whiskey has been touted as the world’s best among its category, known for its small differences in flavors. Many factors affect the taste and texture of it that are only distinctive in Japan such as the climate, water sources and even the type of wood used for the barrels. More than anything, Japanese whiskey is popular for maturing faster than its Scottish counterpart,  resulting to its more refined and older taste notes than they actually are.

In Manila, you can enjoy authentic Japanese whiskey at LIT Manila

“Lit Manila is a bar specializing in authentic Japanese spirits, especially whiskey. We have a wide variety of cocktails, too.  It is a bar where people can come chill, relax and enjoy their drinks,” said Francis Hasegawa, partner and spirits connoisseur at LIT.

The warm, relaxing bar vibe made distinctive by its wooden interiors inspired by Filipino architecture, LIT Manila in the upscale area of Serendra, Bonifacio Global City is easily one of the coolest spots in the metro if you genuinely want to dig into the Japanese whiskey culture, with still a little modern Filipino ambience as your backdrop.

The bar has the widest selection of authentic Japanese spirits and whiskeys in the country. You can start with Japan’s top whiskey brands like Nikka, known for its creamy texture with a little sweetness; or the famous Suntory, with its notes of pink grapefruit, almonds and a light vanilla finish. Kirin, a well-known brand of Japanese beer, is also served at LIT.

“Aside from specilized drinks and cocktails, we also serve Japanese pica-pica like karaage, gyoza, spicy tuna, and even ramen,” Francis shared.

Sweet Twist: LIT x Pocky

Aside from its large collection of authentic Japanese spirits, LIT definitely knows how to spice up your drink session with its interesting collabs and events, like having the bar be taken over by some party scene personalities like Chivas Regal Brand Ambassador Owen Roberts.

Its latest collab though has got to be the cutest one yet. LIT is serving #PockyOnTheRocks options, made in partnership with famous Japanese choco stick brand Pocky with KAMPAI Pocky selection. Francis himself developed the special cocktails, with different flavors of Pocky sticks to add sweetness into your Japanese cocktails and drinks.

Francis Hasegawa, partner and spirits connoisseur at LIT

Pocky is one of the most popular chocolate-based confectionary that has been loved by people all over the world since it was launched in Japan in 1966. It is made of a crisp pretzel, a kind of biscuit, coated by creamy chocolate.

May be an image of 1 person, drink and indoor

May be an image of 1 person, drink and indoor

May be an image of drink and indoor

“We created three different cocktails, using Pocky as the added sweet treats. We want to serve a different take to drinking and lifestyle,” the Japanese connoisseur shared with Stylish Magazine via Style Visionary Network.

One of the Lit x Pocky cocktails are P.S. Blossom, a springful delight infusing the essences of the east and west with BBR London gin, Sakura liquor and Californian red wine, with Pocky strawberry sticks.

Cupid’s Balls is a carefully crafted concoction fusing BBR scotch, Earl grey tea and red wine, also with Pocky strawberry sticks.

Cofee Rum or Me is a coffee  rum martini style concoction featuring Philippine Benguet coffee, with Pocky chocolate sticks.

The cocktails are definitely something fun and unique, with the strong oomph of taste of Japanese spirits enveloped in some sweet punch of fruit flavors. Of course, getting to munch Pocky sticks in strawberry flavor in one drink, and chocolate for another in between makes it an out of the ordinary cocktail experience.

For more updates about LIT Manila, you may follow the brand on Instagram @litmanila.