Known as far away as Kathmandu, Nepal, Baba Au Rum, Thanos Prunarus's bar, is a global landmark for fine drinking.
On March 27, 2009, the folks at Baba Au Rum hit the shakers with the first authentic Mai Tai and Zombie for customers arriving following word of mouth. This event was linked to the global explosion of cocktails and fine drink culture, and this is not an exaggeration.
Open-minded, curious, and in tune with Athens's great nightlife, Thanos Prunarus, after his tenure at the legendary Bar Guru Bar, helped change the perception of the culture of going out for a drink in the Greek capital.
Baba Au Rum was created to "promote a better quality of life, defining its character and shaping its operating conditions without compromising and adapting to what the world may want," said Thanos.
"This meant thorough training of the team, experimentation with materials and techniques, and decent working conditions," he added.
The sequel is more or less familiar. Some of the highlights were the numerous awards inside and outside Greece, including in "Fine Drinking Magazine," and Thanos's recognition as one of the most influential people in the bar industry in the international Bar World 100 list.
Most notably, Baba Au Rum's entry into the World's 50 Best Bars list in 2013, where it has an almost uninterrupted presence to this day (where it currently ranks 25th).
Rum plays a leading role in Baba Au Rum: "If you drink alcohol, you can't say you don't like rum," said Thanos confidently.
There are hundreds of labels in its cellar, among them the limited edition Guyana Single Cask, bottled in 90 bottles exclusively for Baba Au Rum from Guyana's Diamond Distillery. This spirit has intense aromas and is aged in ex-bourbon, malt whiskey, and sherry casks. And the best way to enjoy it is plain.
Text: Nikos Voulalas.
Photos: Nikos Kokkas.
Translation: Paul Antonopoulos.
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