

Denki Bran was developed in 1882 by Dembe Kamiya, founder of the Kamiya Bar which is still located at it's famous 1-1-1 Asakusa address. Arranged over three floors, it claims to be the first western-style bar opened in Japan. Oenon Corp (formerly Godo Shusei) produces the liquor for general sale. The recipe is a guarded secret but it is known to contain brandy, gin, curacao and a variety of herbs. It is popularly believed that electric current is passed through the drink during the production process but this is not true. "Denki" was simply included in the name because it sounded modern at the time. With an alcohol content as high as 40%, it carries quite a kick and acquiring a taste used to be something of a rite of passage. Fans of Denki Bran recommend drinking it alongside beer or at least water to offset the rich taste.

(Photo from Sarukoen)