Madrid just got a serious upgrade in its cocktail scene with the opening of Devil’s Cut, the first European bar by the Japanese bartender Shingo Gokan. Nestled in the historic Las Letras district, inside the iconic Casa Pueblo, a venue that’s kept its charm alive for four decades, Devil’s Cut is already shaping up to be a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts.
Devil’s Cut, a Journey from Angels to Demons
Devil’s Cut isn’t just another bar; it’s a tribute to Gokan’s incredible journey in the cocktail world. From his early days at the legendary Angel’s Share in New York to his famous cocktail lounges across Asia, and now in Europe, this bar embodies that transition.
The cocktail menu tells this story with three distinct categories: Angel’s Classics, showcasing some of his best drinks from the early 2000s; a selection of celebrated cocktails from his bars in Tokyo, Shanghai, Okinawa, and Hong Kong; and the Devil’s Signatures, created exclusively for Madrid, drawing inspiration from Gokan’s long-standing love affair with sherry.
The Vision of Shingo Gokan
Shingo Gokan is no stranger to the cocktail elite; he’s one of the most influential figures in the global mixology scene. His rise to fame started in New York, where he spent ten years running the cocktail program at the renowned Angel’s Share.
His big break came in 2012 when he won an international competition with a drink that catapulted his career onto the international stage. Since then, Gokan has opened twelve bars in major cities around the world, including The SG Club in Tokyo and Speak Low in Shanghai, picking up numerous accolades along the way, like International Bartender of the Year – Tales of the Cocktail in 2017 and the Industry Icon title of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2021.
Devil’s Cut, Where Japan Meets Spain
At Devil’s Cut, the fusion of Japanese and Spanish influences goes beyond just the cocktails. The menu also features dishes that brilliantly blend Japanese cuisine with Spanish ingredients, thanks to the collaboration with the chef Atsushi Furukawa. This unique culinary mash-up, paired with meticulously crafted drinks, makes Devil’s Cut a place where history and innovation seamlessly come together.
With Devil’s Cut now open, Madrid is solidifying its status as one of the hottest destinations for cocktail lovers, offering an experience that’s equal parts tradition, modernity, passion, and expertise. So, what are you waiting for? Go check out what Shingo Gokan’s creative genius has crafted for the European crowd.
Immagies courtesy of Devil’s Cut
