Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar hosts a creative exchange between Dualism and Truce, blending distinct mixology philosophies with the warmth of analogue sound.
The sharp crackle of a needle finding its groove often signals the start of a story. At VINYL, the intimate speakeasy tucked within Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, these stories are told through a shared appreciation for analogue sound and balanced spirits. On a recent evening, the bar hosted its tenth Takeover edition, a milestone that brought together two distinct voices from the regional cocktail scene: Dualism and Truce.
This was not a competition of skill, but a curated exchange of philosophies. VINYL has established itself as a sanctuary for those who prefer their drinks served with a side of intentionality. The space functions as a listening bar, where the acoustics are as vital as the glassware. By inviting guest bartenders into this environment, General Manager Koco Widyatno aims to foster a creative dialogue that extends beyond the rim of a glass.
Teresza, the Head Bartender of Dualism, occupied the bar with a signature style defined by conceptual clarity. Dualism is known for a clinical yet soulful approach to mixology, where every ingredient serves a structural purpose. Opposite him, the team from Truce offered a counterpoint of layered, textured flavours. Their drinks tend to feel more organic and exploratory, focusing on how a cocktail evolves on the palate from the first sip to the last.
The menu for the night featured four exclusive creations. Dualism presented Tatemae, a drink that played with zesty and herbal notes. It used mint to provide a cooling sensation, achieving a clean balance between sweet and savoury elements. Their second offering, Oceanus, leaned into the brightness of grapefruit. It was a light, effervescent serve with sharp botanical edges and a whisper of smoke that lingered briefly before dissipating.
Truce shifted the energy toward the complex and the bold. Their Last Train Boulevardier provided a sturdy, warming interpretation of the classic, incorporating apple and deeper smoky undertones. For those seeking something more playful, the Golden Hour combined miso caramel with tropical fruits and citrus. It was a dense, expressive cocktail that managed to feel sophisticated rather than sugary.
The evening progressed with a natural fluidity, mirrored by the rotating records on the turntables. Because the volume in a listening bar is kept at a level that encourages both deep listening and easy conversation, the atmosphere remained focused. Guests, referred to by the hotel as “Neighbours”, moved through the menu while the music acted as a rhythmic anchor for the night.
Widyatno noted that these takeovers are designed to bring the perspective and character of different bars into a single, cohesive space. As the final records spun down, the event solidified VINYL’s reputation as a destination for Bandung’s creative pulse. It remains a venue where hospitality is treated as an art form, and where the next story is always just one track away.
Vinyl
Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar
Jalan Raya Resor Dago Pakar
Bandung 40198, Indonesia
T: (+62) 85250030089
E: hotelindigobandung.info@ihg.com
W: hotelindigobandung.com
IG: @vinylbdg
