The Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC) is proud to co-present with Suntory Holdings Limited, a 3-part mini master class series. Each webinar will feature a specific Suntory product and how it has supported Suntory’s mission to cultivate the cultures of Japan in the U.S.
Join JASSC as they explore Suntory’s commitment to crafting their award-winning products. Hear from experts Taki Nakatani and Jonathan Armstrong as they demonstrate the broad nature of some of Suntory’s most popular brands—the TOKI whisky, ROKU gin, and HAKU vodka.
Please note: Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Each session requires an individual registration.
Free for JASH members/ $25.00/session for non-members. Please email lhurley@jas-hou.org to access the discount code.
SESSION DETAILS
Part 1 - TOKI and the Art of Blending (July 2, 2020) at 7PM (CDT)
Introducing the history of Japanese whisky starting in 1923 to Suntory's latest product TOKI launched in 2016. We will talk about the ‘Art of Blending’ which is the true uniqueness of Suntory whisky and reflects the Japanese craftsmanship of pursuing perfection
Part 2 - ROKU and Seasonality (July 23, 2020) at 7PM (CDT)
ROKU Gin is truly a unique Gin using 6 Japanese Botanicals (Sakura Flower, Sakura Leaf, Sencha Tea, Gyokuro Tea, Yuzu, and Sansho Pepper) We will introduce stories of each of these botanicals.
Part 3 - HAKU and Design (August 13, 2020) at 7PM (CDT)
HAKU Vodka is made from 100% Japanese rice (General vodka are made from wheat or potato). We introduce the unique production process combining the traditional sake brewing method and latest distillation technologies.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Taki Nakatani is the Luxury Portfolio Specialist for Beam Suntory based in Los Angeles. He brings his role a highly global and diverse background with 15 years of experience in the spirit industry working in 3 regions. Taki has joined Suntory in 2004, starting his career as an on-premise sales in Hiroshima, then moved to Tokyo to lead the Suntory whisky brand management, and prior to the current role he has served as a commercial marketing manager for the international region based in Frankfurt Germany. With his extensive experience in both marketing and commercial, Taki plays a key role to build luxury brands in the market by cultivating cultures and creating new demands.
Jonathan Armstrong is the West Coast Brand Ambassador for House of Suntory. With over 10 years of experience in the spirits industry, he has an extensive background in bartending, craft spirits and hospitality on both the East and West coasts including the cities of Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles. In that time he has worked at number of establishments such as the Nomad, Mayahuel, Death & Company and Old Lightning. Recently, Jonathan also served as a spirits consultant in Southern California for The Winebow Group. Based in Los Angeles, he represents House of Suntory's Next-Generation and Luxury portfolios, building brand awareness and educating the hospitality industry and consumers.