Hidden among a row of shophouses, Haiiro Usagi is touted as one of Johor Bahru’s best speakeasies. The bar has all the fine furnishings of any swanky bar; from plush seats, a long marble counter and a back bar stocked with all sorts of exotic spirits.
The vibe is relatively low-key and the small space allows for one to experience a sense of seclusion. So don’t be shy to just drink by yourself at the bar! In fact, go right ahead and strike up a conversation with their resident bartenders. They’re polite, warm and will be more than happy to oblige.
The bar boasts a wide repertoire of classic cocktails as well as a seasonal lineup of drinks that change every other month. If you’re able to beat the clock, head down during happy hour where cocktails are priced at RM50 for two!
Like any prohibition era-inspired speakeasy bar, you won’t find any obvious signages. But fret not. All you have to do is identify a super discreet sign that reads ‘75A’ above a door. To enter, ring the buzzer and wait a few seconds before the staff buzz you in from upstairs.
Classic Cocktails Done Right at Haiiro Usagi
A Whisky Sour is a classic cocktail that dates back as far as the Lincoln administration. A three-ingredient drink, its made with spirit, sugar and citrus—also referred to as ‘the big three’ in cocktail terms. There have been several variations and twists over the years but we like ours simple and classic using top-quality ingredients.
At Haiiro Usagi, they take pride in making a wide variety of classics and making them well. A firm favourite, we ordered a Whisky Sour (RM45) which was made using Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whisky (spirit), freshly squeezed lemon juice (citrus) and simple syrup (sugar). The carefully measured out mixture was then shaken. Typically, the drink would be dry shaken with an egg white to give it a froth and fuller mouthfeel but ours was served without. A touch sharper than most, their version is bright-tasting with a subtle nuance of smoke—absolutely delicious.
Aptly named after the 16th-century Scottish outlaw who later went down in legend as a folk hero, the Rob Roy (RM45) is a classic Manhattan-born cocktail with bold spicy characteristics bound by an underlying sweetness. A Rob Roy pretty much sees the same ingredients as a classic Manhattan but with the exception of the whisky used—only Scotch whisky is used. In essence, a Rob Roy is basically a Scotch Manhattan.
Haiiro Usagi’s version is made using Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whisky, a few drops of angostura bitters and sweet vermouth, built over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry. It’s sweet, smoky, complex and strong but smooth enough to sip without feeling a kick at the back of your throat—the mark of an expert mixologist and confirmation that we definitely struck gold with this casual speakeasy.
Address: 75a, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7PM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 7PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +60 7-336 0209
Disclaimer: Uncover Asia made an anonymous visit and paid for their own drinks.
Read our guide to Johor Bahru’s Bars.
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