In the House of Suntory’s centenary year, the brand has announced that its DOJO advocacy programme will expand to include 100 bartenders in three hospitality hubs, adding Edinburgh to the masterclass sessions in addition to London and Manchester.
As part of its mission to grow bartenders’ understanding of the philosophies behind the art of Japanese bartending this year’s programme will be led by The House of Suntory UK Brand Ambassador Raffaele Di Monaco alongside Japanese Masters of Craft, with each masterclass tour focusing on two of its four core brands; the first tour on Roku gin and Haku vodka, followed by Toki and Hibiki whiskies in the second.
The DOJO Masterclass will also centre around four Japanese crafts. From sushi making and Ikebana, to Dashi blending and Chadō – also known as Japanese Tea Ceremony – the sessions will be hosted by a specialist Japanese Master, providing bartenders with an understanding of Japanese artistry first hand.
Inspired by the concept of Kaizen – “continual improvement” – the programme includes a cocktail ‘Kaizen Challenge’ and the chance to win a place at the DOJO Finale in November.
This final stage will see four bartenders from each city present their Kaizen Classic to judges James Bowker, The House of Suntory’s Global Advocacy Manager, and Bar Master Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five in Tokyo, for the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan in Spring 2024.
Raffaele di Monaco, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, said, “The Japanese approach to bartending is unlike anything else. From the laser focus on detail, to embracing omotenashi (to wholeheartedly look after guests) and monozukuri (craftsmanship and striving towards perfection), the collective approach elevates bartending to an art form.
“Through the DOJO programme, we hope to bring these principles to the fore, and help bartenders enhance their repertoires as well as being able to offer unparalleled drink and hospitality experiences for their customers.”