Experience a Rare Brand Limited to 888 Bottles Worldwide: 'Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra Whisky Seminar' to be Held on Sunday, May 17, 2026
Keio Plaza Hotel will host the 'Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra Whisky Seminar' on May 17, 2026, featuring a brand ambassador's insights and a tasting of five distinct Johnnie Walker Blue Label whiskies, including the globally limited 'Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra'. The event also offers a pairing with Scottish cuisine specially devised by the hotel's chef. Attendees can delve into the profound world of whisky and enjoy a sophisticated experience.
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https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/johnnie_walker/
Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Katsumasa Wakabayashi) will hold the "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra Whisky Seminar" at Main Bar
■Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra Whisky Seminar Overview
In this seminar, you can experience the philosophy of blending that Johnnie Walker has refined for over 200 years, and the profound world of "Blue Label" which is positioned at its pinnacle. The first half will feature a seminar by Mr. Ayato Bentze Kaneko, Johnnie Walker Brand Ambassador for Diageo Japan. You can thoroughly enjoy the aroma, finish, and background story of each of the five distinct types, including the rare "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra," produced in a limited edition of 888 bottles worldwide with only a few arriving in Japan, as well as "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet" and "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Umami."
In the latter half, a pairing with Scottish cuisine, specially devised by the head chef for this seminar, will be offered. Appetizers using salmon and scallops, fish and chips, and the traditional Scottish dessert "Cranachan" will be prepared as sophisticated dishes unique to the hotel, allowing you to savor the expanded flavors through pairing with three whiskies that are key malts of "Johnnie Walker Blue Label."
On the day, advance sales of keep bottles, including a "Johnnie Walker Blue Label" engraved with the Keio Plaza Hotel 55th Anniversary logo, will also be conducted.
◆Profile of Brand Ambassador Ayato Bentze Kaneko
Born in San Francisco, USA in 1980. Spent his childhood in Japan and Hungary, then moved to the US. After graduating from university, he served as general manager for two restaurants in the US. He then entered the world of whisky and has been active as a Johnnie Walker Brand Ambassador since 2014. He visits Scotland annually, touring distilleries of Diageo, which owns the most distilleries in the world, to learn about the world of blending. Utilizing his extensive industry experience, he conducts events and seminars across the country, continuously conveying the appeal of Johnnie Walker and Diageo malts to many people.
◆Comment
Johnnie Walker is a brand that has cherished the spirit of "Keep Walking – always moving forward" for over 200 years. Behind this lies exceptional blending techniques and creativity that continues to evolve with the times. In fact, behind the scenes, a surprisingly delicate and profound world unfolds, where no two tastes are ever the same. That is why each glass holds a different story. I hope to unravel its charm and stories together with everyone.
South Wing 2F / Main Bar
As a classic hotel bar for adults, it has been loved by many customers since its opening. Industrial designer Riki Watanabe, who is said to have laid the foundation for Japanese modern design, created a calm space with a sense of grandeur. Among them, the wall made entirely of stacked red clay bricks is particularly impressive. The traditional unglazed bricks, transported from Scotland, the home of whisky, are a masterpiece also known as "smiling bricks."
◆Profile of Brilliant Manager Takafumi Kowashi
April 2004: Joined Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd.
Experienced banquet service and service at Sky Lounge
2009: Won the Island Division at the 5th Creative Cocktail Competition hosted by HBA Tokyo Branch.
2017: Transferred to Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Co., Ltd.
2022: Appointed Manager of Main Bar
◆Comment
In addition to explanations by the brand ambassador and tastings of limited editions, including the rare "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra" produced in a limited edition of 888 bottles worldwide, you can also enjoy pairings with Scottish cuisine devised by the head chef. Please spend a special time experiencing the profound world of whisky in the calm atmosphere unique to Brilliant.
【Event Details】
・Date and Time: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 17:00-19:00 (Doors open 16:30)
・Venue: Keio Plaza Hotel South Wing 2F / Main Bar
・Access: 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit on JR, private railways, and subway lines
Immediately after exiting B1 stairs from Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line
・Price: 23,000 yen per person (including service charge and tax)
・Capacity: First 30 people
・Lecturer: Ayato Bentze Kaneko, Johnnie Walker Brand Ambassador for Diageo Japan
・Content: First half: Seminar and tasting / Second half: Pairing with cuisine
・Cuisine: [Appetizer] Smoked salmon, smoked scallops with colorful salad
[Main] Fish and Chips
[Dessert] Cranachan Keio Plaza Hotel Style
・Drinks: Welcome drink (Johnnie Walker Blue Label Highball)
5 types of tasting, 3 types of pairing
・Other: Limited bottle sales
Johnnie Walker Blue Label with Keio Plaza Hotel 55th Anniversary engraving 70,000 yen (tax included)
5 types of Johnnie Walker available for tasting
(1) Johnnie Walker Blue Label
The pinnacle of Johnnie Walker, crowned with "blue" signifying mystery, rarity, and nobility, it is the ultimate blend using only extremely rare original spirits that have reached the peak of maturation, said to be one in ten thousand casks. It has an incomparably rich, powerful, and subtly smoky taste.
(2) Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra
Produced in a limited edition of 888 bottles worldwide, with only a few arriving in Japan. Original spirits are selected from distilleries such as Oban, Brora, and Royal Lochnagar, and many "ghost whiskies" from closed distilleries are blended. This is a unique bottle specially blended by Dr. Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker's Master Blender.
(3) Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet
Born from a collaboration with luxury skiwear brand "Perfect Moment." A beautifully balanced Scotch whisky with subtle aromas of apple, clove, and cinnamon, and a touch of smoke reminiscent of a ski lodge fireplace.
(4) Johnnie Walker Blue Label Umami
A limited edition bottle inspired by "umami," one of the most difficult taste expressions to define globally. Born from a collaboration between Master Blender Emma Walker and world-renowned Japanese chef Kei Kobayashi. Carefully selected original spirits with unique umami are chosen from selected casks.
(5) John Walker & Sons King George V
A bottle commemorating the honor of being granted a Royal Warrant by King George V to John Walker & Sons. This is a phantom whisky revived in the modern era, using only original spirits from distilleries operating during King George V's reign. It has an extremely complex taste that combines power and delicacy.
【Application Method】
Application acceptance start date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Application method: Online reservation via special page
Inquiries: (03) 5322-8151 [Direct line for restaurant reservations 10:00-20:00]
*Applications and participation are limited to those aged 20 and over.
*All listed prices include service charge and tax.
*Various discounts are not applicable.
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Menu content, tableware, etc., may change depending on the season, weather, and procurement status.
■What is Johnnie Walker?
Founded in Scotland in 1820, Johnnie Walker is a leading brand of blended Scotch whisky that has refined its blending techniques for over 200 years. Today, it is enjoyed in over 180 countries and regions worldwide, consistently offering high quality and rich flavor through its excellent blending that combines unique malt whiskies and grain whiskies from various parts of Scotland. Under the brand's symbol of "Keep Walking," it continues to innovate and challenge, delivering new whisky experiences to people around the world.
■About Keio Plaza Hotel
【Company Profile】
Company Name: Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director and President: Katsumasa Wakabayashi
Keio Plaza Hotel Opening: June 5, 1971
Business Content: Hotel business and incidental businesses based on the International Tourist Hotel Development Law
Company Website: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/