Naoto Ogawa, Campari Group Brand Ambassador, makes a guest appearance as a bartender at the Modern Mexican Restaurant & Bar A9.

Holding an event where you can enjoy special cocktails made with Craft Mezcal Montelobos.

CT Spirits Japan (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tetsu Abe) will be hosting a one-night-only collaboration event on August 24th (Thursday) featuring special cocktails made with 'Montelobos,' in partnership with Modern Mexican Restaurant & Bar A9 and Campari Group Brand Ambassador Naoto Ogawa.

The venue for the event is the Modern Mexican Restaurant & Bar A9 (A Nine), known for its cuisine that leverages the spices of Mexican food while maximizing the potential of seasonal Japanese ingredients. Led by Chef Atsuto Hiramatsu, who holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for Ginza's 'Aroselia La Panza,' the restaurant offers a range of energetic Mexican dishes, including two types of tacos, as well as special cocktails featuring 'Montelobos' crafted by Naoto Ogawa, in a delightful fusion. Enjoy a heartwarming experience where cuisine and cocktails come together to color the midsummer night.

Event Details:

Date: August 24, 2023 (Thursday), 19:00 - 21:00 Venue: A9 (A Nine) Address: 1F Bios Building, 1-12-11 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from JR Ebisu Station and Tokyo Metro Ebisu Station.

■ Featured Cocktails Thunderstruck: Ingredients: Montelobos Espadin, Rose & Cucumber Cordial, Tonic Water, and Beer Foam

Mosquito Bite: Ingredients: Montelobos Espadin, Chinese Pepper & Grapefruits Solution, Aloe Juice, Pineapple Vinegar, Honey, and Salt Water

Umami & Smokey: Ingredients: Montelobos Pechuga, Dashi Olive Infused Vermouth, Distilled Sweet Chili

Wolfgang: Ingredients: Montelobos Ensamble, Pitaya Cordial, Coconut Syrup, Cinzano Pino Chardonnay

Campari Group Brand Ambassador Naoto Ogawa / Profile

Born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. After studying abroad in New Zealand and Australia, he gained experience by training as a bartender at the renowned Kobe establishment, Bar elixir de longue vie. With a history of winning various cocktail competitions, he became the Japanese champion at the CAMPARI Cocktail Competition Asia 2018, representing Japan at the Asian competition held in Milan. Following this, he began his role as the Official Brand Ambassador for Campari Group in Japan. In addition to conducting training and cocktail development for Campari Group brands including Campari itself, he also takes on guest bartending roles at bars nationwide. In the summer of 2022, he was invited as a guest bartender to the internationally renowned 'Schumann's Bar' (Munich, Germany) of the legendary bartender Charles Schumann, where his delicate yet well-balanced flavors received high praise overseas.

■ About 'Montelobos

Born in Santiago Matatlán, in the southwestern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, 'Montelobos' was founded with the ideal of creating mezcal that captures the inherent power of the agave plant. Dr. Iván Saldaña, a specialist in agave, and Don Abel López, who has been involved in mezcal production for five generations, established Montelobos. They aimed to express the true potential of mezcal through the agave plant.

Adhering to traditional ingredients and methods, Montelobos is produced in two distilleries (Oaxaca and Puebla) at the heart of mezcal production. The mosaic of balance and complexity that defines the taste of Montelobos allows for layered experiences and new discoveries with each tasting. Montelobos is a truly unique mezcal that beautifully showcases the essence of Mexico's land and craftsmanship. It offers four products: 'Espadin,' 'Pechuga,' 'Ensamble,' and 'Tobalá.'

Official Website: https://www.montelobos.com/

■ About 'A9 (A Nine)

With the concept of 'Creating Thrilling Emotions with Traditional Spices and Select Ingredients,' A9 (A Nine) is a Modern Mexican Restaurant & Bar that offers Mexican cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. By combining fresh Japanese ingredients with the distinctive spices of Mexico, entirely new flavors are born.

Equipped with top-notch sound facilities, the venue also includes a standing bar where you can enjoy your time as you wish.

Official Website: https://a9club.jp

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a9_ebisu

For inquiries regarding the products: CT Spirits Japan Co., Ltd. Customer Service TEL: 03-6455-5810, 03-4520-5250 FAX: 03-5856-5810　Business Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) *Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays