Nikka Whisky and Door Knock transported guests to Japan in Sydney last night (18 September), with two renowned bartenders taking over the cocktail bar for a night of Japanese cocktail making.
Heading up the takeover were renowned bartenders Rogerio Igarashi from Bar Trench in Tokyo, and Hisatsugu Saito from Bar Ars & Delecto in Shanghai, who flew out to Australia to celebrate the launch of Nikka’s Coffey Gin and Coffey Vodka down under.
Showcasing the best of the best of Japanese bartending talent, Saito and Igarashi served up five bespoke cocktails – including the Trench 75, a take on the French 75 especially for the Aussie market – all mixed with Nikka products.
“Art is what we make for guests, delight is what our guests feel,” said Saito. “It’s the most simple but also most difficult and important thing to achieve.”
Both bartenders have gained wide recognition for their craft, with Igarashi’s Bar Trench being ranked 16th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2018 and Saito winning the Diplomatico World Tournament 2018 for Japan and North Asia, as well as ranking 3rd in the global final at the Savoy Hotel in London.
The Sydney event followed a Melbourne takeover at 1806, where the two bartenders also displayed their cocktail craft for guests.
