#Japan #Tokyo #Keio Plaza #Japanese Whisky #Nikka Whisky

Explore the Rich Heritage of Nikka Whisky

On August 3, 2025, the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will host a special event dedicated to the celebrated Japanese whisky brand, Nikka Whisky. This unique one-day experience will feature seminars, tastings, and exquisite food pairings, showcasing the depth and richness of this world-renowned whisky. Nikka Whisky, founded by Masataka Taketsuru, has earned its place as a pioneer in the Japanese whisky industry, and its accolades continue to soar globally.

Event Highlights

The event will be led by Ichiro Sato, a Whisky Ambassador from Asahi Breweries, who will take attendees on a journey through Nikka's distinguished offerings, including the Taketsuru, Yoichi, and Miyagikyo brands. Participants can look forward to a hands-on experience that includes tastings of pre-aged raw spirits, current products, and key malts from each of these iconic brands.

In addition to the tastings, guests will enjoy a specially curated three-course menu prepared by Chef Masayuki Tozawa and Pastry Chef Heita Mogi, enhancing the overall experience as they taste how the complexity of whisky interacts beautifully with food.

A Deeper Dive into Japanese Whisky Culture

Nikka Whisky's roots can be traced back to Taketsuru's dream of creating authentic whisky in Japan. His journey took him across the sea to Scotland, where he learned the art and philosophy of whisky-making. This experience laid the foundation for Nikka Whisky, with its legacy further popularized by the NHK television drama 'Massan' in 2014-15. The show introduced a wider audience to the story of Taketsuru and his wife, Rita, and sparked a renewed interest in Japanese whisky culture. Today, Nikka's Taketsuru lineup has won multiple awards in prestigious competitions, cementing its reputation as a top-tier whisky brand.

Understanding the Distinct Flavors

During the seminar, Sato will explain the definitions of whisky production at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Attendees will have the chance to sample various expressions, including:

1. Taketsuru Pure Malt: A harmonious blend of quality malts with a balanced profile of rich fruit and gentle oak, this whisky delivers a sweet, slightly bitter finish with subtle peat notes.

2. Yoichi Single Malt: Known for its bold and complex character, this whisky embodies flavors of soft oak, malt sweetness, and deep fruity aromas with a lingering smoky finish.

3. Miyagikyo Single Malt: Celebrated for its fruity and smooth taste, this whisky offers notes of apple and pear with a velvety mouthfeel and an elegant, sweet echo from the malt and oak.

Culinary Pairings to Delight Your Palate

The dish pairings will be crafted to compliment each whisky tasting, showcasing the culinary talents of the hotel’s kitchen. Guests can indulge in:

• - An appetizer and main course Artisan-crafted by Chef Tozawa.
• - A striking dessert by Chef Mogi featuring confited dried figs and cacao sorbet.

Exclusive Bottle Sales

For those who wish to take home a piece of the experience, a selection of Nikka Whisky bottles will be available at special prices during the event. Please note that these bottles will be for bar-keeping only and cannot be taken home.

Final Thoughts

The Keio Plaza Hotel has been a prominent part of Japan's bar culture since its establishment in 1971. The main bar, Brillian, is known for embracing evolving trends while consistently providing an authentic experience for patrons seeking