By Jim Boyce | Billed as Shanghai’s first punch bar, a “speak loudly” rather than speakeasy, and a place to “get good and drunk the old fashioned way,” Logan’s is participating in World Baijiu Day. I asked owner Logan Brouse about his bar philosophy, baijiu experience, and plans for August 9.
You describe Logan’s Punch as a “speak loudly”, which pretty much describes the general conditions in which I’ve consumed baijiu.
The idea behind a speak loudly versus a speakeasy was that I was tired of going into bars that kept the music volumes really low and people only spoke in whispers. I wanted something loud and raucous but still a fun bar environment. We wanted to capture that vibe of a dive bar but a lot more upscale.
Your menu features a wealth of booze and I assume you’ve also met baijiu on an occasion or two. What have your experiences been like?
I fell in love with baijiu the first time I tried it. I loved the little glasses, the mad shouts of ‘gan bei’, the din of the room as everyone gets swept into a baiju-induced buzz that turns strangers into friends and my shitty Chinese language skills into pro levels.
Your punches are about 15 percent alcohol while baijiu tends to be high-proof and highly pungent. How does it fit into the world of punch?
Our punches are usually 375 ml of spirits or 750 ml, depending on the size. So they already pack a hefty wallop. The idea of punches is to relax with friends and get hammered over the course of an hour or so. With the addition of such an intricate flavor profile, that baijiu will be bring an extra bit of party.
Finally, what are you guys planning for World Baijiu Day?
We plan on doing a cocktail with byejoe called Xiao Long Go. It’s baijiu, passion fruit, lemon and sugar.
Find Logan’s Punch Logan’s at Unit 202, 2F, 99 Taixing Road, near Wujiang Road. Check out the map below and the Logan’s Punch website here.
Founded in 2015, World Baijiu Day is held each August 9, with events in over 60 cities so far. Follow WBD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And get in touch via spirit (at) worldbaijiuday.com.
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