A Magical Night of Hokkaido Summer Flavors: Gin Pairing at UNWIND OTARU
At UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, we believe a hotel should be more than just a place to stay—it should be a cultural hub that shares the essence of Hokkaido. In line with that vision, our lobby bar BAR IGNIS OTARU will host a special one-night-only cocktail pairing event.
Guests can savor three original cocktails inspired by the flavors of a Hokkaido summer, each paired with appetizers crafted from carefully selected local ingredients. It’s a night designed to let you taste, feel, and celebrate the richness of Hokkaido in a completely new way.
This special event puts gin in the spotlight—a spirit that has seen a surge of popularity, especially among younger generations. Guests will enjoy three original cocktails crafted with gin from BENIZAKURA DISTILLERY, Hokkaido’s very first craft gin distillery. To elevate the experience, each drink is mixed with tonic water from BITTER POPS COMPANY, a premium local brand known for its refined flavor.
Every cocktail will be thoughtfully paired with an appetizer prepared using local ingredients, creating a perfect harmony of taste that highlights the best of Hokkaido’s summer.
Guests won’t just sip the cocktails—they’ll experience the essence of Hokkaido itself. You’ll be able to touch and smell the very herbs that inspire the drinks, while learning directly from BENIZAKURA DISTILLERY’s distiller about the stories behind gin-making and the unique botanicals of the region.
The venue, Bar Ignis OTARU, sets the perfect stage. Bright, open, and located right in the hotel lobby beside the front desk and restaurant, it offers an inviting atmosphere that’s easy for anyone to step into. Especially popular with younger guests and first-time bar visitors, it’s the kind of place where you can feel relaxed yet still enjoy the excitement of a stylish, out-of-the-ordinary evening.
This event was designed not only for hotel guests but also for locals and travelers visiting Otaru, so everyone can experience the unique atmosphere of our bar. With just 10 participants per session, the small-group format ensures a relaxed, intimate environment. Since the pairing menu is pre-set, even those unfamiliar with ordering at bars can feel at ease and simply enjoy the experience.
Surrounded by the beautifully lit back shelf at the counter, guests can enjoy conversations with bartenders and watch their performances. This event offers a special bar experience that engages all five senses—taste, sight, touch, scent, and sound.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Session 1: 15:00 – 16:30
- Session 2: 19:00 – 20:30
- Venue: BAR IGNIS OTARU, 1st Floor, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Admission: ¥5,000 (includes three gin cocktails with food pairings)
- No dress code required.
Cocktail and Food Pairings
BENIZAKURA DISTILLERY crafts gin that reflects the seasons of Hokkaido, using local herbs and botanicals to create unique flavors. For this event, cocktails will feature botanicals grown in the summer months.
Fukinoto Cocktail × Pickled Atka Mackerel
Made with 9148 #0211 FUKINOTO Craft Gin, infused and aged with butterbur buds harvested in spring. This gin is known for its distinct bitterness and green notes, loved by fans who eagerly await its release each year. Served simply as a gin and tonic to highlight the pure flavor of the gin, paired with herb-marinated pickled Atka mackerel.
Hop Cocktail × Pork Porchetta
Created with 9148 #1925 HOPS Craft Gin, made using hops from Kamifurano. The refreshing aroma and slight bitterness of the hops are balanced with a layer of passion fruit espuma, giving the cocktail a flavor reminiscent of an IPA. Paired with crispy-yet-tender pork porchetta for a juicy contrast to the bright cocktail.
Hamanasu Cocktail × Jasmine Tea Crème Brûlée
Crafted with 9148 #0104 HAMANASU Craft Gin, made from the hamanasu flower, the official flower of Hokkaido. Its floral notes are accented with cinnamon and spices, producing a rich aroma. The gin itself shifts in color from deep navy blue to pink, adding a visual element to the drink. Paired with jasmine tea–infused crème brûlée for a sweet and elegant finish.
About BENIZAKURA DISTILLERY
Located within Benizakura Park in southern Sapporo, BENIZAKURA DISTILLERY is Hokkaido’s first craft gin distillery. Using a 400L still from Italy’s Barison and local spring water, the distillery combines seasonal Hokkaido botanicals to create gin that reflects the land.
Its “9148” series has won awards in international competitions, with recipes featuring distinctive Hokkaido flavors such as kelp, dried daikon, and shiitake mushrooms. Seasonal releases also highlight different local botanicals. Official Website
About BITTER POPS COMPANY
Based in Sapporo, BITTER POPS COMPANY is a premium tonic water maker focusing on the element of bitterness. Its lineup of three tonics balances acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, designed to pair (or “KUMI,” from the Japanese word for combine) with a wide range of spirits. Official Website
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Built in 1931 as Hokkaido’s first hotel exclusively for foreign visitors, the former Ecchuya Hotel carries a remarkable history. During WWII, it served as an officers’ club for the Japanese Army, and after the war, it was requisitioned by the U.S. military. Today, it is officially recognized both as a Historic Building by Otaru City and as part of the Ministry of Economy’s “Heritage of Industrial Modernization.”
After decades of closure, the building was reborn as UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU. While preserving the elegance and character of its historic past, bold renovations transformed it into a boutique hotel where heritage and modern design coexist. More than just a place to stay, the hotel is dedicated to creating an organic space that connects travelers with the local community, offering a stay that is as inspiring as it is comfortable.
Facility Information
- Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
- Access: About 35 minutes by JR Hakodate Main Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to the hotel