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Japanese Whisky Bar at The Alpina Gstaad
* Largest collection of Japanese whisky in Switzerland
* Prestigious Japanese whisky bottles, some unique in Switzerland and a rarity in Europe
* 40+ meticulously chosen whiskies, available by the bottle or glass
* Includes Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt Whisky, arguably the rarest Japanese whisky
April 2023 - Try the rarest Japanese whisky in the world; sip on a spirit aged in a train tunnel, or one made in a long-closed distillery close to an active Volcano. Welcome to The Alpina Gstaad’s newly opened Japanese Whisky Bar, located within Megu Japanese restaurant and open for the summer season from 8 June to 1 October 2023.
Complementing the luxury hotel’s contemporary design and its Six Senses Spa which is inspired by Asian wellness traditions, the Japanese Whisky Bar is home to Switzerland’s largest Japanese whisky collection. An exclusive outlet in its own right, it is decorated with handcrafted shingles and features some of the most prestigious bottles around the world.
Seated on one of three high stools, sip from over 40 meticulously chosen light- to full-bodied whiskies available by the bottle or glass, from over 15 distilleries in 12 Japanese prefectures.
Since its meteoric rise in popularity after the Second World War, Japanese whisky has found its own style, unique from the Scottish model, and piqued the interest of rare bottle collectors. At The Alpina Gstaad, one can now try classics like Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Hakushu, including:
- Karuizawa 38 years Ruby Geisha Cask #7582 - from a distillery closed in 2000 and located near the most active Volcano of Honshu
- Togouchi 15 years from Sakurao Distillery - aged to its desired aromatic profile in a 361m-long tunnel originally intended for a train
- Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt Whisky - from Takara Shuzo, arguably the rarest Japanese whisky in the world
- No. 25, Japanese Blended Malt Whisky - from The Last Drop Distillery in London, made of blended malts aged between 20 and 40 years and including the last remaining batch from the famous Hanyu Distillery
Pierfranco Lavra, Director of Restaurants at The Alpina Gstaad says, “With whisky regaining popularity in recent times, we are thrilled to be able to extend our gastronomic offering with the Japanese Whisky Bar. It is the perfect addiction to our existing versatile options of three restaurants and bars.”
If whisky’s not your tipple, then head instead to the Alpina Lounge & Bar. Here, bartenders shake and serve an enviable selection of spirits, craft and classic cocktails. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interior with the bar’s outdoor terrace, where you can soak up mountain views in the sun.
Throughout the summer, the hotel will offer Cocktail Workshops, including mixology tips, demonstrations of classic recipes and handcrafted cocktails with Japanese Whiskies. The 1.5 hour workshops cost 400 CHF and include privatisation of the Japanese Whisky Bar for up to three people.
Rooms at The Alpina Gstaad this summer start from 850 CHF (£756) for a deluxe room Schönried view, based on double occupancy, including breakfast.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Please contact us for a recipe to concoct the Japanese Whisky Bar’s signature after-dinner Smokey Takezaru cocktail at home, to discuss interviews or a visit to learn from the masters at a cocktail workshop.
Interviewees:
Pierfranco Lavra, Director of Restaurants can speak on:
- The future of food & drink
- Wine consumer behaviour and trends
- Employee attraction and retention
Andréa Piras, Megu Manager & Saké sommelier can speak on:
- Tips on how to serve and drink saké
- Saké food pairing (e.g. with sushi or red meat)
- USPs of saké and the best producers
- The Alpina Gstaad’s saké collection
