#Japan #Tokyo #Keio Plaza Hotel #Ichiro's Malt #whiskey event

Keio Plaza Hotel Celebrates 55 Years with Exclusive Ichiro's Malt Release

Keio Plaza Hotel, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is gearing up to celebrate its 55th anniversary on June 5, 2026. To commemorate this significant milestone, the hotel has teamed up with the renowned Japanese whiskey maker, Ichiro's Malt, to offer a uniquely crafted limited edition single malt, with only 100 bottles available for purchase. Accompanying this release is a special one-day event on July 5, where guests will have the opportunity to experience tastings led by Yumi Yoshikawa, the global brand ambassador for Venture Whiskey.

A Unique Whiskey Experience for a Milestone Celebration

The original bottle being sold is a concrete representation of the hotel’s commitment to quality and innovation, created meticulously by three of the hotel's skilled bartenders. During the selection process, the bartenders deepened their understanding of the distillation techniques and aging processes at the Chichibu Distillery, engaging in tastings to achieve their desired flavor profile. By combining whiskey aged in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, white wine barrels, and Mizunara oak barrels—some of which were aged for an impressive 16 years—they have crafted a whiskey experience that offers complex layers of flavor. This is further enhanced by the use of floor-malted grains, resulting in softly nuanced flavors that envelop the palate. The final product is a robust whiskey with an elegant finish, making it ideal for such a prestigious anniversary.

A Design Reflecting 55 Years of History

The bottle's label design is inspired by a masterpiece called "The Ceramic Garden," created by potter Yusuke Aida, which graces the hotel's Cocktail & Tea Lounge. Aida has collaborated with the hotel since its opening in 1971, under the direction of designer Isamu Kenmochi. The label pays homage to this lineage and features a contemporary design that brings to life the imagery of mountains under a moonlit sky. The delicate gradient of colors represents not only the aesthetic beauty of the piece but also the passage of time—an essence deeply rooted in the hotel's culture of luxury and taste. This unique design encapsulates the 55 years of traditions and artistic vision cultivated by the hotel.

Event Details: Tasting and Insights into Ichiro's Malt

• - Sales Start Date: June 1, 2026
• - Venue: Hotel bars and lounges
• - Price: 100,000 yen per person (including tax and service charge)
• - Contents: Ichiro's Malt Keio Plaza Hotel 55th Anniversary Commemorative Bottle (700ml), Alcohol by volume: 53%

This exclusive bottle will be available for enjoyment in the hotel's bar and lounge, offering patrons an unparalleled whiskey experience.

Additionally, to celebrate the launch of the original bottle, a one-day special event will take place at the main bar, Brillant, on July 5. A selection of six different whiskeys, including the limited edition, will be available for tasting, allowing guests to explore the distinct profiles and nuances among each variant. Attendees will also enjoy selected culinary pairings prepared by Executive Chef Daisuke Yagisawa, who will craft dishes that complement the whiskey’s aroma and aftertaste, elevating the tasting experience.

As a highlight, Yumi Yoshikawa, the global brand ambassador for Venture Whiskey, will share insights into the history and philosophy of Ichiro's Malt, along with updates on the operations at the Tomakomai Distillery and other current ventures within the whiskey industry—crafted to be accessible for both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Yumi Yoshikawa - Profile

Born in Tochigi in 1981, Yumi Yoshikawa has cultivated her skills as a bartender through extensive experience. After gaining invaluable insights during her time in New York in 2008, she moved to Scotland in 2011, where she worked as a bartender at the Highlander Inn in Speyside—renowned for its Scotch whiskey. Upon returning to Japan, she took on the role of global brand ambassador for Venture Whiskey, where her contributions to the whiskey industry have been recognized, including being awarded the World Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year in 2019 by Whiskey Magazine.

About Keio Plaza Hotel

• - Company Name: Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 2-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Katsumasa Wakabayashi
• - Founded: June 5, 1971
• - Website: Keio Plaza Hotel

This 55th-anniversary celebration not only marks a memorable date in the hotel's history but also serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication to excellence that has defined the Keio Plaza Hotel for over five decades.