Bogdan Bochkalov from Phuket's "The Fool Speakeasy" to Visit Japan for a One-Night-Only Guest Shift Event!
Ikemitsu Enterprise Co., Ltd. will host a cocktail event featuring Thailand's representative spirit, "Mekhong," at Bar Wakabayashi. Bogdan Bochkalov, Assistant Bar Manager of "The Fool Speakeasy" in Phuket, will visit Japan for a special one-night guest shift, offering unique cocktails made with Mekhong. This aims to promote Mekhong and foster international bar culture exchange.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 01:00
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Ikemitsu Enterprise Co., Ltd. (3-18-19 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Kishida) will host a cocktail event for "Mekhong," Thailand's representative spirit, an imported product of the company (Thai Beverage Co., Ltd.), at "Bar Wakabayashi" (City Plaza Kamata 3F, 7-5-14 Nishi-Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo) on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 19:00 to 22:00.
Mr. Bogdan Bochkalov, Assistant Bar Manager of "The Fool Speakeasy" bar in Phuket, Thailand, will visit Japan to offer special cocktails using Mekhong, Thailand's representative spirit.
Bogdan Bochkalov (nickname: Bow) - Winner of the Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2025
Bogdan Bochkalov is a mixologist with over 15 years of experience. He has served as Bar Manager and Head Bartender at major establishments in Moscow and Phuket. Currently, as Assistant Bar Manager at The Fool Speakeasy, he is involved in team management and concept development. He specializes in creating signature cocktails, developing menus, and providing high-quality guest experiences in fast-paced environments.
Cocktail Competition Achievements:
- Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2025 Winner
- Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2024 3rd Place
- Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2024 Winner
- Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship 2024 Winner
During this guest shift, Bow will offer special cocktails created exclusively for this event, using Mekhong, Thailand's representative spirit.
"E-San Daiquiri", "Phuket Thai Sabai", "Bangkok Highball", "Chiang Mai Colada"
Bogdan Bochkalov Guest Shift Overview:
Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 2026, 19:00-22:00
Venue: Bar Wakabayashi
Address: City Plaza Kamata 3F, 7-5-14 Nishi-Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 minutes walk from Kamata Station (JR/Tokyu)
Phone: 03-6424-7346 / Business Hours: 19:00-3:00 / Closed: Wednesdays
About Bar Wakabayashi:
Owner: Yuichi Wakabayashi
This bar is gaining attention as a specialty bar for agave spirits, focusing on tequila and mezcal. With one of the best selections in Japan, including over 200 types of tequila, and cocktail proposals that bring out the individuality of ingredients, it has earned high praise from enthusiasts and industry professionals both domestically and internationally.
One of its characteristics is the style of providing a drink tailored to the guest's preferences in a calm atmosphere. Bar Wakabayashi continues to offer high-quality experiences as a hub for promoting the appeal of agave spirits.
About Mekhong, the Spirit of Thailand:
Named after the world-renowned Mekong River, Mekhong is Thailand's representative spirit.
Distilled from 95% molasses and 5% rice, it is blended with indigenous herbs and spices based on a special recipe passed down only to a select few. It boasts a unique and well-balanced flavor, fusing honey, ginger, caramel aroma, and vanilla on a spicy base. Its elegant sweetness perfectly complements spicy Thai cuisine. It can be enjoyed straight, with soda, or as a versatile base for various cocktails.
Contact for this matter:
Ikemitsu Enterprise Co., Ltd.
UD Kamiyacho Building 5F, 3-18-19 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6459-0480 / FAX: 03-5776-4843
E-MAIL: bestbeer@ikemitsu.co.jp / URL: https://www.ikemitsu.co.jp/product/thai/mekhong700.php
Mekhong Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekhongjapan_ikemitsu
Mr. Bogdan Bochkalov, Assistant Bar Manager of "The Fool Speakeasy" bar in Phuket, Thailand, will visit Japan to offer special cocktails using Mekhong, Thailand's representative spirit.
Bogdan Bochkalov (nickname: Bow) - Winner of the Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2025
Bogdan Bochkalov is a mixologist with over 15 years of experience. He has served as Bar Manager and Head Bartender at major establishments in Moscow and Phuket. Currently, as Assistant Bar Manager at The Fool Speakeasy, he is involved in team management and concept development. He specializes in creating signature cocktails, developing menus, and providing high-quality guest experiences in fast-paced environments.
Cocktail Competition Achievements:
- Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2025 Winner
- Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2024 3rd Place
- Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2024 Winner
- Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship 2024 Winner
During this guest shift, Bow will offer special cocktails created exclusively for this event, using Mekhong, Thailand's representative spirit.
"E-San Daiquiri", "Phuket Thai Sabai", "Bangkok Highball", "Chiang Mai Colada"
Bogdan Bochkalov Guest Shift Overview:
Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 2026, 19:00-22:00
Venue: Bar Wakabayashi
Address: City Plaza Kamata 3F, 7-5-14 Nishi-Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 minutes walk from Kamata Station (JR/Tokyu)
Phone: 03-6424-7346 / Business Hours: 19:00-3:00 / Closed: Wednesdays
About Bar Wakabayashi:
Owner: Yuichi Wakabayashi
This bar is gaining attention as a specialty bar for agave spirits, focusing on tequila and mezcal. With one of the best selections in Japan, including over 200 types of tequila, and cocktail proposals that bring out the individuality of ingredients, it has earned high praise from enthusiasts and industry professionals both domestically and internationally.
One of its characteristics is the style of providing a drink tailored to the guest's preferences in a calm atmosphere. Bar Wakabayashi continues to offer high-quality experiences as a hub for promoting the appeal of agave spirits.
About Mekhong, the Spirit of Thailand:
Named after the world-renowned Mekong River, Mekhong is Thailand's representative spirit.
Distilled from 95% molasses and 5% rice, it is blended with indigenous herbs and spices based on a special recipe passed down only to a select few. It boasts a unique and well-balanced flavor, fusing honey, ginger, caramel aroma, and vanilla on a spicy base. Its elegant sweetness perfectly complements spicy Thai cuisine. It can be enjoyed straight, with soda, or as a versatile base for various cocktails.
Contact for this matter:
Ikemitsu Enterprise Co., Ltd.
UD Kamiyacho Building 5F, 3-18-19 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6459-0480 / FAX: 03-5776-4843
E-MAIL: bestbeer@ikemitsu.co.jp / URL: https://www.ikemitsu.co.jp/product/thai/mekhong700.php
Mekhong Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekhongjapan_ikemitsu