A glass with … Gerhard Tsai

For this edition of our series "A Glass with …" we are delighted to sit down for an interview with Gerhard Tsai. The bartender and owner of the boutique bar "Tür 7" has made an enormous mark on the Viennese bar scene and is one of the founders of the Vienna Bar Community. "Tür 7" has been named falstaff's "Bar of the Year" awarded – today the host talks about his concept of carefully selected spirits in the premium segment.

Farthofer: You've been running and bartending at Tür 7 for 8 years – a cult bar in Vienna that hasn't gone unnoticed by a single respected bar guide. Tür 7 for guests in 3 words?

Tsai: Calm, quality, consistency

Farthofer: Different perspective: Tür 7 for you as the owner in 3 words?

Tsai: The same words, as I see myself as a guest too.

Farthofer: You use no or almost no Austrian spirits. Why?

Tsai: Our focus is on the carefully selected premium segment of international spiritsand for reasons of space, I wanted to position myself very clearly from the very beginning and not offer "a little bit of everything."

Farthofer: In your opinion, what spirit do Austrian distillers really excel at?

Tsai: Gin

Blog Interview Gerhard Tsai - Destillerie FarthoferBlog Interview Gerhard Tsai - Destillerie Farthofer

Farthofer: Entry to Tür 7, a kind of living-room cocktail bar, is by reservation only. Bar visits often thrive on spontaneity, after all. What led you to this concept, which does feel a little exclusive?

Tsai: I don't see it as exclusive — quite the opposite, actually: organised. Guests have the reassurance of securing a seat and our full attention, and we can prepare as well as possible for them. It works in restaurants too, after all…

Farthofer: Once you make it inside, a pair of house slippers is waiting for you. Do more ladies or gentlemen take advantage of that?

Tsai: It really varies and depends on the situation. It's not a must — more of a gentle nod to the cosiness of our space.

Farthofer: A bar is a classic flirting zone. What's a pick-up line that has stuck with you?

Tsai: What happens at the bar stays at the bar… ;-)

Farthofer: What is your personal favourite spirit?

Tsai: I love Champagne! ;-)

Farthofer: What drink order is guaranteed to make you happy?

Tsai: Always Champagne — when it comes to that, I'm very easy to please.

Farthofer: And what creation goes down well at home, with your 3 kids?

Tsai: Fruity, creamy, not too sweet.

Farthofer: Thank you so much for the conversation!

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