A peculiar sort of beer place, Takumi is nestled just next to the 5th floor lobby of the Mandarin Orchard. In fact, it’s situated right outside the Bar on 5. It’s not a hotel bar in the traditional sense, but it’s not really a beer hall either.
It’s not a particularly large establishment in fact. It occupies a small area, centered around a bar counter, for just over 20 people, perhaps. But as you have heard, size isn’t everything. It’s how you use it that counts.
Takumi is a Japanese craft beer bar, and it serves some excellent drinks sourced directly from the land of the rising sun. Sister bar to JiBiru at 313, the drafts on offer here seem to be rather more exclusive. Only 6 are available on tap (though a bottle list is available) and they tend to be even rarer and thus, more interesting to the beer enthusiast. Here, the intimacy of a small bar works to Takumi’s advantage. One can simply enjoy a pint in appreciative silence.
We tried a few beers on tap, and they turned out to be quite good indeed.
I liked the Sankt Gallen Pineapple Ale. Limited to one keg in Singapore, this might not be available when you eventually get there, but it gives you a good idea of the goodies you can get at Takumi. Made not by adding pineapple flavouring, but by adding fresh pineapple to the fermenting ale and macerating it gently. Sweet, tropical, but with the hops balancing the fruit well. Refreshing and most unusual, though mostly for novelty value.
Be sure also to try the Yokohama XPA, which is not quite as hoppy as some of the recent IPAs. Quite refreshing, with clear citrus notes coming from it. It might not be bitter as some, but it’s definitely enough to balance the fruitiness. Overall, a little light for my taste, but certainly very drinkable after a busy day at work.
The Sankt Gallen Golden Ale was my favourite for the night. A golden malt beer with clear grain and caramel notes, and a whiff of citrus. It culminates in a hoppy finish that isn’t too overwhelming. Lovely.
Overall, I’d be happy to recommend Takumi for a few quick drinks- a malty refuge from the bustle of the shopping belt. Casual and unassuming, but with some nice beers up its sleeves. Prices are not low, but you won’t be busting your wallet here. Expect to pay about 15 to 18 bucks for a good pint of beer.
