Where there's smoke, there's Whisgars

If you like to unwind with a nice cigar and fine whisky, you’ll be delighted to know that Whisgars has opened a second branch in the heart of Bangkok, near BTS Ploenchit.
ChindAsia Capital Partners, the investment group behind the Whisgars brand, had success with the first Whisgars on Sukhumvit Soi 23 last year. Whisgars Ploenchit is a franchised outlet with Richard Gotz becoming the brand’s first licensee.
“I went searching for a suitable location where I could implement my own interpretation of the Whisgars concept – a space with a classic arrangement and atmosphere for executives to socialise and relax after a tough day,” Gotz says. “I’ve been living in Thailand since 2010, and in that time I realised Ploenchit was a standout city-centre hot spot, so in my mind it was the perfect location.”
The New York-inspired “speakeasy-style” bar in Mahatun Plaza opened last week to VIP guests, socialites and Whisgars regulars. It carries the full range of luxury, exotic cigars and premium whiskies thanks to ChindAsia’s connections in the industry. On top of that, the branch also serves Mexican and Spanish dishes.
“Whisgars Ploenchit is an exciting launch for us because it’s our first franchise – the first of what we know will be many!” says the brand’s vice president, Eddy Guerra. “We’re now looking to grow its footprint quickly, in Bangkok and beyond.”
Whisgars Ploenchit’s whisky and cigar menus are similar to those of its sister on Sukhumvit 23. The chain deals directly with distilleries in Scotland, so it can obtain single-cask whiskies straight from the source. Most of the whiskies are limited batches, with fewer than 500 bottles in existence, making its inventory quite exclusive. Classic cocktails, spirits and beer are also on offer.
Whisgars’s inventory features only the best hand-rolled cigars, using only the finest tobacco, the best blends and consistent construction practices. Every cigar has been inspected carefully beforehand.
Entertainment-wise, the new branch is still working on ideas, but is likely to take its cues from the Sukhumvit branch, which has Keith Nolan’s Love Gone Wrong playing the blues every Friday from 9pm, with no extra charge for the show.


Two smoking choices
Whisgars Ploenchit is on the second floor of the Mahatun Plaza Building next to the Ploenchit BTS. Call (02) 650 8157.
The original Whisgars is on Sukhumvit Soi 23, close to BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit. Call (02) 664 4252.
Learn more at http://Whisgars.com.