Discover how Dannon Har turned his passion for mixology into a thriving home bar experience.
As I stand on the porch of a modest executive condo in Sengkang, I wonder if I’ve arrived at the right place. A small sign hanging by the entrance reads ‘Section D,’ confirming I’m in the right spot.
Upon entering, I’m welcomed by Dannon Har, his wife Jamie Chua, and a floor-to-ceiling shelf lined with liquor bottles illuminated by warm downlights. Dannon, the co-founder and mixologist of Section D, proudly showcases the collection.
He explains that Section D was named after the three D’s of their home: Drinks, the Doorway bar, and Dannon’s expertise. Among the various bottles, he lifts a simple, unadorned bottle of Sherry Cask Arrack, revealing its deep garnet-red liquid. For the uninitiated, Arrack is an alcoholic beverage from India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, crafted from the fermented sap of coconut flowers or sugarcane mixed with local grains or fruits.
“This is my prized possession,” Dannon shares, highlighting the custom-made spirit that is unique to Section D, crafted through a local barrel aging service. “The base is a gula melaka spirit—no one else in the world has it. It’s distinctly Asian, which I love to emphasize here.”
Home First, Bar Second
Since 2020, Dannon and Jamie have opened their home to guests, offering an exclusive omakase bar experience right in their living room. Jamie serves as both the hostess and chief storyteller, complementing Dannon’s writing and mixology skills to make Section D unique.
Their shared passion for drinks is evident throughout the home, with every bottle telling a story. Dannon fondly recalls the Ardbeg Corryvreckan bottle he used to create the “Proposal” cocktail that won Jamie’s heart.
He then points to a dark mark near the kitchen ceiling, remnants from an exploding alcoholic kombucha. Their history unfolds further with a magazine he created as a wedding gift for Jamie, demonstrating his creative talents beyond mixology.
Dannon began his career in journalism in 2011 and found his calling in writing about cocktails and bars during his tenure at SG Magazine. This passion led to the creation of Spill Magazine, focusing on the local bar scene.
A Sense of Place
The idea for Section D was born during the Circuit Breaker, a period that changed how Singaporeans perceived alcohol consumption. On June 1, 2020, Dannon launched Section D, welcoming guests into a space that reflected the growing curiosity for quality spirits.
While initially a side gig, Section D became a catalyst for various opportunities, leading to partnerships for corporate events and bar consultancy services. Dannon’s journalistic background enables him to communicate effectively with brands, promoting a uniquely Singaporean experience.
Beyond the Glitz of Awards
For Dannon’s parents, the legitimacy of his work as a journalist offers comfort compared to being labeled as a “home-based bar owner.” Yet, it is his pride in the craft that truly defines his career. “I wanted to produce things with my own two hands,” he states.
Although Singapore boasts a vibrant bar scene with numerous awards, Dannon seeks a deeper connection to place rather than accolades. “We have enough awards. What’s next is a sense of place,” he reflects.
Through Section D, Dannon showcases what a genuine Singaporean bar could look like, incorporating local ingredients and personal stories into every cocktail. His unique approach includes innovative techniques like ‘fat washing,’ which infuses spirits with local flavors.
Self-Expression from Cask to Cup
Dannon’s commitment to private bars stems from a desire to maintain an intimate atmosphere and foster genuine connections with guests. “If I’m proud to be a writer, or a hawker, I want to be proud of being in the alcohol scene,” he expresses.
Despite the challenges of being a pioneer in the home bar industry, Dannon has seen a supportive community emerge among fellow home-based bar owners. Instead of competition, they share experiences and collaborate, showing that Singapore is ready for this new trend.
Ideas in the Making
With aspirations for Section D to grow while retaining its homey touch, Dannon continues to explore creative recipes and innovative drink-making techniques. He’s eager to keep pushing boundaries and maintain the authenticity of his craft.
Dannon envisions a future where he balances running Section D with family life, as he and Jamie await their first child. “Only I own this path now, and Jamie, my future child, and I are on it together,” he concludes with a sense of pride and purpose.
