From a Sydney bar to the world stage, Takashi Matsumoto has been named the world’s top
bartender, beating some of the biggest names in mixology.
Takashi impressed judges with his creativity and calm precision, rising above rivals from
America, Europe and Asia in the Nikka Perfect Serve global final, held recently in Hong Kong.
The prestigious event challenged contestants on a range of skills including hospitality,
communication, bartending, product knowledge and creativity, as well as the choice and
taste of the cocktails.
This competition’s theme, Bridging Time and Taste, asked contestants to create a drink that
connects the timeless tradition and modern innovation of Nikka Whisky, which has been
making whisky since 1934, drawing inspiration from their own heritage.
Participants could use any Nikka spirit – whisky, gin, or vodka – to bring their vision to life,
preparing three cocktails: two omakase drinks improvised for judges playing different guest
roles, and their signature Bridging Time and Taste cocktail.
Like Nikka, Takashi was born on Hokkaido, Japan. This link inspired his winning cocktail, drawingon the flavours of apples, famous in the northern region of Japan, heather, lavender and Yoichi whisky to create a perfectly balanced flavour hit.
His cocktail Northern Legacy is a tribute to the journey of Nikka Whisky founder Masataka
Taketsuru, who studied whisky-making in Scotland. Masataka later returned to Yoichi, which
he chose for its climate, proximity to the sea, and natural surroundings – so like Scotland, but
10,000 kilometres apart.
Nikka still uses coal-fire pot stills for all its whiskies, a traditional distilling method once
commonplace in Scotland, and ages in oak barrels, creating the smoking character traits
Scottish whisky is famous for.
Winner Takashi Matsumoto said his life has ‘completely changed’ since winning the title.
“Bartending is a unique job, maybe more like a passion,” he said.
“Every night, I meet new guests. To make that time great, I have to make wonderful cocktails. Studying, working hard, and enjoying what I do is very, very important.
“If someday someone remembers me that would be the greatest reward I could hope for.”
Nikka Australian brand ambassador Marcus Parmenter said Takashi’s win is a testament to the refined skills we see at cocktail bars all around the country.
“Takashi is a skilled and refined bartender, and I’m incredibly proud of him for his achievement,” he said.
“Not only did he prove that he has what it takes to win one of the world’s most respected cocktail competitions, he’s proved to the world that Australia has world-class bars and elite bartenders who go above and beyond.”
Takashai Matsumoto, Sydney, Dean and Nancy
Northen Legacy
“Northern Legacy” is a tribute to the journey of Masataka Taketsuru, who studied whisky-making in Scotland and later returned to Japan, where he discovered his spiritual home: Yoichi, a small town in Hokkaido, also my birthplace.
“He chose Yoichi for its climate, water, and natural surroundings, all reminiscent of Scotland. This cocktail honours that connection, using Yoichi whisky, local Yoichi wine, and apple jam, ingredients deeply rooted in the town’s history.
“The wine cordial, made with heather, represents Taketsuru’s Scottish roots, while the apple jam recalls the early days of the distillery, when it was used to produce cider, before the first batches of whisky were ready to sell.”
Northern Legacy
Recipe
- 50ml Yoichi Whisky
- 30ml Yoichi Wine & Heather Cordial
- 2 tsp Yoichi Apple Jam
- 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 20ml Egg White
Garnish
- NIKKA “N” Logo Stencil
- Lavender Bitters (sprayed on top)
Glass
- Apple-shaped cocktail glass
Method
- Add all ingredients to a Boston shaker. Blend first, then shake with ice. Double strain into the glass.
About Nikka Whisky:
Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru.
Taketsuru’s journey to Scotland to study the art of whisky-making influenced Nikka’s establishment and approach. Embracing both pot still and column still methods, Nikka crafts a diverse range of distinct and balanced whiskies.
The brand’s dedication to quality and tradition has solidified its global reputation, making Nikka a symbol of Japanese Whisky excellence for nine decades. Inheriting the founder’s spirit of tradition and challenges, Nikka Whisky continues to deliver products that will bring joy and satisfaction to people all over the world.
For more information contact HeadlinePR:
Lisa Gilbert: 0412822673 or lisa@Headlinepr.com.au