Kwãnt Mayfair, the award-winning cocktail bar by Erik Lorincz (ex-head bartender at the American Bar, The Savoy Hotel and one of my former Lush Life guests), has partnered with iconic Japanese whisky brand Nikka to debut the bar’s intimate cocktail Omakase experience, has launched!
Omakase, which translates to “I leave the details up to you” is inspired by Lorincz’s love of fine dining and his extensive travels in Japan where this unique dining concept originated.
Taking place exclusively at Kwãnt’s bespoke six-seat bar counter, the reservation-only experience will take guests on a flavour journey which includes five expertly-designed mini cocktails spotlighting Nikka’s range of spirits, plus two bite-sized food pairings by pedigreed chef Joni Ketonen (ex-The Fat Duck and St. John).
Nikka, maker of the iconic Nikka from the Barrel blended whisky, was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who is often referred to as “The Father of Japanese Whisky”. Taketsuru had travelled to Scotland in 1918 and spent two years honing his craft working with a number of Scottish distilleries before returning to his native Japan with his new wife Rita. Taketsuru brought back traditional Scotch production techniques and married them with Japanese precision and attention to detail to create Nikka.
The 90-minute Omakase is as flavourful as it is eye-catching and each drink is presented in exquisite Japanese glassware by Kimura, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
The Omakase menu includes:
Amuse Bouche:
- Miso: clarified miso, shiitake, seaweed, chive oil
Cocktails:
- Urchin: Nikka Coffey Gin, sea urchin, key sake, seasn light, chive oil
- Tomato: Nikka Taketsuru single malt, tomato, pickled brine, seedlip garden
- Apple & Mango: Nikka Coffey Vodka, fino sherry, KAY sake, green apple, mango, verjuice
- Beetroot: Nikka Miyagikio single malt, miso, beetroot, maple verjuice, seasn dark, aged sake
- Oolong: Nikka Yoichi single malt, oolong, wasanbon, soy merengue, pollen
Available by reservation-only, the Omakase menu will run from Thursday to Saturday starting at 6pm. One seating per night will take place.
Nikka is the first partner for this unique experience which will run from 9th January until 31st March 2025 – priced at £80 per person (ex. service charge)
Bookings for the experience are to be made online via kwantmayfair@icloud.com