"The Ritz-Carlton Nikko presents 'Bartender Crossover 2024,' featuring 10 influential bartenders, including regulars from the prestigious 'ASIA'S 50 BEST BARS' list.

In January, we will feature Sato Sugiura from 'El Lequio' in Okinawa, and in February, Keisuke Yamamoto from 'Bee’s Knees' in Kyoto will take the stage.

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, located at 2482 Nakagami Shrine, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, under the management of General Manager Alexander Westwood MacBride, has been hosting the 'Bartender Crossover' event since last year, featuring top bartenders from both domestic and international scenes. Continuing this tradition into the new year, the hotel plans to invite 10 guest bartenders in total, starting with Sato Sugiura from 'El Lequio' in Okinawa on January 27th, and Keisuke Yamamoto from 'Bee’s Knees' in Kyoto in February. Both bartenders are renowned figures in the world of bars and are set to host exclusive one-night events.

On January 27th, for the fifth installment of the event, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko will welcome Sato Sugiura, the bar manager of 'El Lequio,' which marks the SG Group's first venture into Okinawa. The name 'El Lequio' is derived from the Spanish words meaning 'The Ryukyu.' It originates from the time when Spanish and Portuguese explorers referred to Okinawa as 'Lequio' during the Age of Discovery. Known for its cultural elements reflecting the connection between Okinawa and South America, a region that has historically seen significant Okinawan emigration, the bar has received recognition by securing the 80th position in 'ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS 2023,' an award recognizing the top 50 bars in the entire Asia region.

On February 17th, marking the sixth installment, we are pleased to welcome Keisuke Yamamoto from 'Bee’s Knees,' which opened its doors in Kyoto in 2018. The bar is known for its namesake classic cocktail comprising gin, lemon, and honey, and is reminiscent of a speakeasy from the Prohibition era in the United States. 'Bee’s Knees' has been consecutively ranked in 'ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS' for four years since 2020, achieving 21st, 18th, 47th, and 44th positions.

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko's 'The Bar,' organizing this event for the second year, expresses, 'Reflecting on last year's event, we believe that the time spent witnessing the skills of top bartenders provided our guests with a truly valuable experience. Whether you have an interest in cocktails and bar culture or are experiencing it for the first time, we hope that your stay at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko becomes an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cutting-edge trends and depth of bar culture, experiencing the skills of world-renowned bartenders.'

The bartenders participating in 'Bartender Crossover 2024' will be announced in due course. In 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, anticipate the ultimate collaboration between Tochigi's local ingredients, culture, and the expertise of top bartenders. We invite you to stay tuned for this exceptional experience.

"Bartender Crossover vol.5 / El Lequio Sato Sugiura"

【Date】 January 27, 2024 (Saturday) 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Last Order) 【Venue】 The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, 1st Floor, "The Bar" 【Menu】 Exclusive cocktails incorporating local ingredients from Tochigi, including the signature cocktail 'El Lequio.' A total of 4 cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, will be available. 【Inquiries】 0288-25-5776 (The Ritz-Carlton Nikko Restaurant Reservation Direct Line) Email: rc.nikko.RestaurantReservation@ritzcarlton.com *Reservations are available. 【Online Reservation】 http://bit.ly/3UeJm2n

Introduction of Cocktails

*Please note that the event-exclusive cocktails incorporating local ingredients from Tochigi will be announced on the day of the event.

Another Sky - Unforgettable Sky

• Price: 3,000 yen
• Ingredients: SG Shochu "KOME," Okinawan rum, banana, spirulina
• Description: This blue-hued cocktail, reminiscent of an endlessly expansive sky, features a base of carefully spiced rum and original rice shochu. With a fruity and complex ginjo aroma, it leaves a lasting impression on the heart.

The Real Miyagi - The Authentic Mr. Miyagi

• Price: 3,000 yen
• Ingredients: SG Shochu "MUGI," Black Sugar Liqueur "KOKUTO DE LEQUIO," Campari, honeycomb-aged
• Description: Paying homage to the great Okinawan karate sensei who awakened a once bullied child, this cocktail blends original black sugar liqueur and barley shochu infused with the power of bees. Enjoy the robust aroma and the lingering bitterness of this empowering drink.

Satoshi Sugiura

Bar Manager at El Lequio

Entering the bar industry at the age of 20, Satoshi Sugiura spent nine years in Tokyo honing his skills in classic Japanese and flair bartending. In 2018, he joined SG Group and relocated to Shanghai to launch the bar "The Odd Couple," where he served as the bar manager for three years. In February 2022, he returned to Japan to spearhead the opening of the new establishment, "El Lequio," in Okinawa. Currently, he continues to serve as the bar manager at El Lequio, leading the bar to achieve its inaugural ranking in "Asia's 50 Best Bar" in 2023, making it the first in Okinawa. Sugiura has participated in cocktail competitions as a Japan finalist nine times. Additionally, he has conducted over 50 guest shifts and master classes, showcasing his expertise in the field.

El Lequio
https://www.instagram.com/el_lequio_okinawa/

"Bartender Crossover vol.6 / Bee’s Knees Keisuke Yamamoto"

【Date】 February 17, 2024 (Saturday) 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Last Order) 【Venue】 The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, 1st Floor, "The Bar" 【Menu】 Exclusive cocktails incorporating local ingredients from Tochigi, including the signature cocktail 'Bee’s Knees.' A total of 4 cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, will be available. 【Inquiries】 0288-25-5776 (The Ritz-Carlton Nikko Restaurant Reservation Direct Line) Email: rc.nikko.RestaurantReservation@ritzcarlton.com *Reservations are available.

Introduction of Cocktails

*Please note that the event-exclusive cocktails incorporating local ingredients from Tochigi will be announced on the day of the event.

Sakura Bee's Knees 

• Price: 3,000 yen
• Ingredients: SG Shochu "KOME," Roku Gin, sakura leaves, apple, grapefruit, domestic honey, cinnamon, absinthe
• Description: A modern twist on the classic cocktail from the Prohibition era, the Bee's Knees, which is also the namesake of the bar. This rendition caters to Japanese preferences, incorporating the natural flavor of sakura. The combination of all-natural ingredients creates a light and sophisticated drink.

Catana Negroni 

• Price: 3,000 yen
• Ingredients: SG Shochu "IMO," Tonka bean, Campari, Gran Classico, sweet vermouth, bitters, chocolate yokan (sweet bean jelly)
• Description: An adaptation of the classic Negroni cocktail. Substituting gin with aromatic sweet potato shochu, this version offers a more exotic and rich, yet somehow familiar, flavor. Paired with chocolate yokan, it makes for a delightful companion to unwind with during leisurely moments.

Keisuke Yamamoto

President and Owner Bartender, Rad Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Keisuke Yamamoto, the President and Owner Bartender of Rad Entertainment Co., Ltd., oversees three establishments, including the Kyoto-based "Bee's Knees," which has been nominated for the prestigious "Asia's 50 Best Bars" award for four consecutive years. He is also responsible for the renowned "Jeremiah" in Shinjuku, selected in Tokyo Top 10 Bars 2021 and 50's Discovery, as well as "Newjack" in Yokohama, known for consistently producing champions in flair bartending.

As a representative bartender, Keisuke Yamamoto has not only traveled worldwide as a guest bartender but has also played a crucial role in shaping new business models for bartenders. His expertise extends to areas such as bar catering, bar consulting, cocktail advising, competition judging, and other innovative approaches that align with the evolving landscape of the bartender profession. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary bartending has earned him recognition and accolades in the industry.

"Bee’s Knees "

[Website: https://bees-knees-kyoto.jp/]

At The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, "The Bar" is designed with the concept of a "Whiskey Bar." The interior is adorned with shelves decorated in ceramic tile, showcasing whiskey bottles arranged like pieces of art. The collection includes top-tier whiskies such as "Ichiro's Malt" and "Hibiki," as well as a selection from across Japan, ranging from the northern "Akkanbetsu Distillery" in Hokkaido to the foothills of Mount Fuji's "Gotemba Distillery," and the oldest distillery in Okinawa, "Shinri Shuzo," among others. Carefully curated from around the world, the whiskey selection offers a diverse range.

In this sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere with the backdrop of pleasant music, The Bar not only serves signature cocktails inspired by local spirits and the abundant nature and culture of Nikko but also presents award-winning cocktails from the "Marriott International Cocktail Competition." It creates a vibrant and elegant ambiance, providing an opportunity to enjoy a splendid time. [Official Website: https://thebar.ritzcarltonnikko.com/]

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko Overview

Situated by the picturesque shores of Lake Chuzenji, with a front-row view of Mount Nantai, a revered sacred mountain in the mountain worship tradition, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is the first luxury hotel in Tochigi Prefecture, nestled within the Nikko National Park. Harmonizing with the untouched nature of Okunikko, the hotel offers a total of 94 spacious guest rooms, including 10 suites, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of the changing seasons.

Featuring a blend of Western and Japanese cuisine highlighting locally sourced ingredients from Tochigi, the hotel boasts a bar with an extensive collection of whiskies from around the country. Additionally, it offers a spa and fitness studio to sharpen the senses, and a hot spring facility drawing from the source of the Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring historically cherished by the local community. The commitment to hot springs is a pioneering initiative for The Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to providing guests with an experience that emphasizes Japanese authenticity.

Nikko, renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," is a popular destination celebrated for its rich natural surroundings, traditional culture, and enduring history. The hotel's location allows easy access to attractions such as the majestic Kegon Falls, one of Japan's three famous waterfalls, within walking distance from the hotel. Discovering the lesser-known charms and engaging in activities that connect with nature, culture, and spirituality are abundant offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko.

Official Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/jp/nikko
Official Instagram: @RitzCarltonNikko