A Journey Through Japan is the curated new cocktail menu at the intimate cocktail bar, The Malt Bar & Lounge, at The Prince Akatoki. Each cocktail is inspired by a distinctive prefecture of Japan, concocted from local ingredients, sourced directly from that region. It celebrates the best of Japanese flavours and aromas. The menu is adapted seasonally to reflect each ingredient at its optimum, from spring to winter 2023. The spices and flowers are sourced directly from Japan and each cocktail is paired with favourite Japanese bites from The Malt Lounge bar menu.
Tasting Aromas
At the Malt Bar & Lounge, everyone is invited to experience the sophistication of Japan and traditional hospitality that The Prince Akatoki exemplifies. Famous for his simplistic and striking cocktails inspired by single Japanese ingredients such as Lotus and Sesame, Bar Manager Francesco Pittala has gone above and beyond to find the balance in taste aromas.
Experimenting with new lab equipment, such as the GiroVap to extract all aromas and a PacoJet machine to create a unique whisky and cherry ice cream, all cocktails are created in great detail to extract the full extent of undiscovered flavours within each ingredient.
Francesco explains: “The idea behind a seasonally changing cocktail menu was to take guests on a journey through forgotten Japanese territories, evoking a nostalgia for Japan and the beautiful variety of each regions produce. From redistilling to fermenting, a number of different techniques were used to create each cocktail, drawing from 14 years’ experience in mixology.”
Traditional Flavour Inspiration
Expect an exciting range of flavours, inspired by the regions of Hokkaido, Yagamata, Miyazaki, Ume, Shiba and Akita. The handpicked local aromas include Daikon, Shikuwasa, Amazake, Perimoon and Leache leaves. These flavours have been adapted by the Malt Bar & Lounge team with modern techniques such as fermenting grape juice and brewing chestnut honey.
The Menu
There are over 13 drinks for diners to delight in, all representing various Japanese regions. One cocktail featured is the Hokkaido, with Rubis Blanc Pure Malt Spirit, Yuzu, Sapporo Beer, Cherry & Suntory Yoichi Distiller’s, and Reserve Whiskey Ice Cream. Hokkaido milk is well known in Japan for its high quality and creamy flavour. Another note is the cherry blossom trees in this prefecture, that cultivate the sweetness of the cherries in the drink. This prefecture is also home to one of the oldest whiskey distilleries on the island.
Another cocktail showcased in A Journey Through Japan, is the Chiba, with Milk Nikka Coffey Gin, Peanuts Essence, and Nashi Pear Sparkling Juice. This prefecture is said to be the birthplace of Japanese dairy farming which dates back to 1728. Additionally, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by peanuts as they are one of the most agricultural products produced.
Bar Snack Pairings
Paired in harmony with the cocktails, a selection of delicious savoury snacks are available from the bar menu for diners to enjoy. Accompaniments include lotus root crisps, beef fillet tataki with ponzu and garlic crisps, walnuts and umeboshi, buttermilk fried chicken with gochujang mayo, goat’s cheese crostini with honey, asparagus on toasted brioche with yuzu hollandaise and tasting platters of pork belly skewers. In the evenings, the sushi bar offers a selection of nigiri and maki rolls, salmon bites and tuna tartare with avocado, miso and lotus crisps.
The Malt Bar & Lounge
In addition to the cocktail menu. The Malt Bar & Lounge’s also features a rare collection of Japanese fusion tipples, from American Yellowstone Bourbon to an Amrut Cast Indian Single Malt. To make the experience even more unique, the hotel’s passionate team offer detailed tastings to ensure guests are fully immersed in the history and complexity of each drink.
During the day the lounge is a fresh and uplifting destination, serving world-renowned teas and Japanese inspired afternoon tea.
The menus are designed to tell a story through the combination of flavours, textures and presentation, as well as highlight the rich history of Japan. From the selection of Japanese homegrown sakes, premium spirits or signature cocktails of A Journey Through Japan, there is something for everyone to look forward to.
To discover more, visit themaltlounge.co.uk
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All Imagery Courtesy of The Malt Lounge and Bar.